The visit of three Indian naval ships to Singapore last week not only strengthened defence ties, but also enhanced the relationship between the citizens of both countries.
On Feb 7, 300 residents and staff of the Sree Narayana Mission (SNM) Nursing Home in Chong Pang were treated to meals prepared by the cooks on board the INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Veera, which berthed at the Changi Naval Base for three days as part of their Long-Range Training Deployment to South East Asia.
The meals were delivered to the residents by officers from the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron (1TS).
The initiative was led by Captain Saikat Chatterjee, defence attache at the High Commission of India in Singapore.
“The gesture was intended to promote the Indian Navy’s commitment to giving back to the community,” said an HCI spokesman. “The vegetarian meals were meticulously prepared and packed onboard the 1TS ships by skilled chefs.”
The programme included a briefing about the SNM’s activities by CEO S. Devendran. This was followed by the naval officers interacting with department heads, distributing the meals to the residents and exchanging mementos.
“The visit underscored the shared values of compassion and service upheld in the highest esteem by both organisations,” the HCI spokesman said.
SNM resident Narinder Singh said “the food was great”.
“I’m looking forward to them visiting us again,” he said. “I chatted with the officers about the meals and how they prepare it. It was really enjoyable.”
The officers also interacted with the nursing home’s Residents’ Committee, which oversees decisions on daily operational matters.
“I wish to thank the Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron for the wonderful gesture of providing lunch prepared by the ship’s galleys for the residents and staff, said Mr Devendran.
“I also wish to thank the High Commission of India for facilitating the CSR activity. SNM has always enjoyed a strong rapport with the High Commission which has always been supportive of the Mission’s charitable work.
“On a personal note, the CSR activity is particularly significant to me because I am a foreign alumnus of India’s National Defence Academy and the current Chief of the Indian Navy (Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi) is my course mate.”
The visit of the Indian naval ships marked an important step in enhancing maritime cooperation and fostering deeper mutual understanding between India and Singapore.
The squadron had previously visited Singapore in October 2023.
The ships and crew participated in several activities designed to improve cooperation and interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). These included joint training sessions and friendly sports games.
The Indian Navy personnel also toured the Navy Museum, which offered an opportunity to explore Singapore’s maritime heritage, and paid tribute at the Kranji War Memorial, where wreaths were laid honouring the fallen soldiers, highlighting the shared history and mutual respect between the two nations.
