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The International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia is a leading biennial maritime and defence event in the Asia-Pacific region, held since 1997 in Singapore at the Changi Exhibition Centre. It serves as a key global platform for navies, coast guards, and maritime defence industries to showcase advanced naval platforms, cutting-edge technologies, and engage in strategic dialogue.

Indian Navy’s Participation

• In May 2025, the Indian Naval Ship INS Kiltan arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025.
• This deployment forms part of the Indian Navy’s operational commitments and highlights the strong maritime partnership between India and Singapore.
• During the exhibition, the Indian Navy crew engaged in multiple bilateral and multilateral activities, including professional exchanges with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and other participating navies.
• Activities included guided tours for schoolchildren, cross-deck visits with other navies, and curated visits for defence industry representatives to promote awareness of maritime security and India’s naval heritage.

Key Features of IMDEX Asia

• Platform for Defence Collaboration: IMDEX Asia facilitates showcasing of naval systems and debut of advanced maritime technologies.
• Strategic Dialogue: The event hosts high-level policy discussions and strategic dialogues on maritime security.
• International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC):
  • Established in 2009, IMSC is a crucial component of IMDEX.
  • Jointly organised by the Republic of Singapore Navy and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).
  • It convenes navy chiefs, coast guard leaders, policymakers, and strategic analysts.
  • The conference aims to enhance mutual maritime security, improve maritime domain awareness, and foster cooperative responses to challenges in the global maritime commons.

Significance

• The Indian Navy’s participation in IMDEX Asia underlines its commitment to regional maritime security and stability.
• It also reinforces the longstanding friendly ties between India and Singapore and highlights the importance of naval interoperability and defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.