India allows Singapore to train ground forces in India

India allows Singapore to train ground forces in India

(NSI News Source Info) New Delhi, August 15, 2008: India-Singapore-Army Training After allowing Singapore to use Indian Air Force (IAF)'s Kalaikunda airbase and nearby firing ranges to train its pilots, India has signed another agreement with the country permitting it the use of Babina and Deolali firing ranges for armor and artillery exercises. The agreement, signed by Defense Secretary Vijay Singh and Permanent Secretary (Defense) Chiang Chie Foo here on Tuesday, will allow Singapore to train its ground forces in India for the next five years, said an official statement issued here. Significantly, in a first, India has also allowed Singapore to station a small detachment of Army personnel and equipment (Artillery Guns and Tanks) at the Babina and Deolali ranges on a permanent basis for the duration of the agreement. "The agreement provides for temporary detachment of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel for a maximum period of eight weeks, up to two times a year. Under the agreement, India will provide firing range facilities and infrastructure to SAF for the purpose of joint military training and exercises. While the MoD did not specify the amount, Singapore will pay India for the use of the ranges by its Armed Forces. The ministry spokesperson said that besides the bilateral agreement, the two sides also signed associated protocols on training, administration and logistics and financial arrangements. The agreement comes into effect from Tuesday and shall remain in force for a period of five years. In October last year, the Government signed a crucial defense agreement with Singapore allowing it to use the Kalaikunda airbase to train its pilots. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), plagued with a shortage of air space and training assets, had been visiting the West Bengal airbase regularly for joint exercises.