India takes part in ADMM-Plus counterterrorism drill in S'pore

An Indian naval ship and an army contingent have participated in a large counter-terrorism and maritime security exercise in Singapore involving 18 countries.
The 11-day ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus(ADMM-Plus) Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise that began on May 2 aims to strengthen the capability and inter-operability of the ADMM-Plus militaries to more effectively address terrorism and maritime threats.
The exercise, co-hosted by Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), involves about 3,500 personnel, 18 naval vessels, 25 aircraft and 40 Special Forces teams from all 18 ADMM-Plus countries.
India, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia and the US along with 10 ASEAN member countries makes up ADMM-Plus.

"Indian naval ship Airavat's participation will undoubtedly bolster India's ties and enhance links with all the participating navies," said India's High Commissioner to Singapore Vijay Thakur Singh while welcoming Airavat, its naval crew members, officersand the Indian army contingentlast night.
"I am sure all participating forces including the Indian Army would have benefited from the exposure and professional interaction offered by the ADMM Plus Counter Terror exercise. Working together for Maritime Security and countering terrorism are objectives that our nations share," Singh said.

The strong contributions by the ADMM-Plus members attest to their commitment to enhancing regional peace and stability.

India has deep historic and cultural linkages with ASEAN countries which have been strengthened in the recent past by vibrant economic engagement and a growing sense of a common future, Singh said.
India's active and positive contribution in numerous ASEAN-led mechanisms, namely the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus as well as India's support for strengthening of the East Asia Summit has been acknowledged by ASEAN member countries.
"Navies of our countries enjoy long standing, close and robust bilateral ties," Singh said.
"The operations that the Indian Navy conducts with the Republic of Singapore Navy in its annual bilateral exercises, since the last 22 years, is indicative of the mutual trust and respect that both navies have for each other," Singh added.

More than200 Indian community and business leaders attended a reception on board the Airavat last night.