Singapore
Army to train in India.
A strategic step beyond joint exercises. Indian Express.
May 10, 2006

Departing from its policy of allowing only joint exercises, India is preparing to open its terrain to Singapore by allowing it to station and train its army here.

In return, not only does it get Singapore’s help to upgrade its defence training facilities but also takes the relationship with this key ASEAN member and economic powerhouse to a new, strategic level.

After conducting two joint exercises with the Indian Army here, Singapore has requested New Delhi to allow its armed forces to shift personnel and equipment for two training stints of three months each on a long-term basis.

Other than overcoming the limitations of land and airspace in Singapore, the spacious and rough Indian terrain will allow the island-nation to train Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in unfamiliar and challenging environment, says its request.

In exchange for use of the facilities at Deolali and Babina during February-April and October-December, Singapore is willing to reimburse the costs as well as fund their upgradation.

The request has found favour with the Defence Ministry and will be soon put up before the Cabinet Committee on Security for permission under a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), said ministry sources.

Other than helping the Indian Army to upgrade its facility, the special dispensation to SAF would promote growing defence cooperation and strategic ties between the two nations, said ministry officials.
Indian Express