INS Kulish Reaches Singapore During Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet Deployment

Indian Navy warship INS Kulish reached Singapore’s Tuas Terminal on October 6 for an operational turnaround (OTR), as part of the Eastern Fleet’s ongoing operational deployment. The visit aims to strengthen maritime cooperation, promote regional engagement and deepen naval ties between India and Singapore.

According to an official statement, the port call reflects the close relationship between the two countries and provides an opportunity for continued professional interaction. During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Kulish is scheduled to meet the High Commissioner of India to Singapore. The officer will also pay tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial, highlighting the historical connections between India and Singapore.

The visit supports India’s broader efforts to encourage collective maritime security and regional stability. It also reflects the shared commitment of both countries to maintaining a safe, secure and inclusive maritime environment. Before arriving in Singapore, INS Kulish participated in the 23rd ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security Joint Cooperative Activity at Subic Bay in the Philippines. The Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate INS Sahyadri also took part in the exercise.

The joint activity concluded with a closing ceremony on September 25 following a series of coordinated maritime engagements designed to improve cooperation and interoperability among participating naval forces. During the exercise, INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish operated alongside maritime forces from participating countries. Activities included Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), maritime interdiction operations, replenishment at sea, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), search-and-rescue operations and cross-deck landings.

The Indian Navy also highlighted professional exchanges between participating forces. As part of these engagements, personnel from INS Sahyadri and INS Kulish conducted cross-deck visits aboard Japan’s JS Ise and Australia's HMAS Perth, encouraging interaction and the sharing of operational experience.

India’s participation in the multilateral activity underscores its commitment to regional partnerships under the Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR vision—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. Through port calls, joint exercises and professional exchanges, the Indian Navy continues to strengthen relationships with regional maritime partners. INS Kulish’s arrival in Singapore represents another step in these efforts, supporting closer naval cooperation and contributing to a stable and collaborative maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PIB/Ministry of Defence.