INS Shivalik, mission deployed to the South China Sea and Pacific Ocean, departed Singapore on May 30 for onward passage to Yokosuka, Japan.

"During the ship's OTR at Singapore, various activities were undertaken which included Call on with Base Commander, Changi Naval Base, Wreath Laying at Kranji War Memorial, Call on with High Commissioner of India to Singapore, IFC visit, Visit of around 80 school children onboard, Visit of Indian and Australian High Commissioner onboard and cross-deck visits to USS Mobile (LCS) reflecting maritime relations and shared values between the navies which is primarily under the ambit of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

INS Shivalik, upon departure from Singapore, is scheduled to participate in JIMEX 24 and RIMPAC 24.

"This deployment is aimed at enhancing the degree of interoperability with the JMSDF, US Navy and other partner navies participating in RIMPAC 24," the statement said.

India-Singapore relationship

The close ties between India and Singapore have a history rooted in strong commercial, cultural and people-to-people links across a millennium.

The more modern relationship is attributed to Sir Stamford Raffles who, in 1819, established a trading station in Singapore on the route of the Straits of Malacca which later became a crown colony and governed from Kolkata till 1867.

The colonial connection is reflected in institutions and practices, usage of English and presence of a large Indian community. India was one of the first countries to recognize Singapore in 1965.

India-Singapore relations are based on shared values and approaches, economic opportunities and convergence of interests on key issues.

There are more than 20 regular bilateral mechanisms, dialogues and exercises.

"There is great convergence on a broad range of international issues and both are members of a number of forums, including East Asia Summit, G20, Commonwealth, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) and IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium)," read a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Singapore.