US Defence Secretary Hegseth in Singapore as Shangri-La Dialogue kicks off amid geopolitical tensions

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Singapore, May 30 (IANS) The 22nd edition of the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD), Asia’s premier defence and security summit, opened here on Friday amid geopolitical tensions. This year’s dialogue drew representatives from 47 countries, including 40 ministerial-level delegates, 20 chief of defence forces-level delegates, over 20 senior defence officials, and prominent academics, according to the Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

French President Emmanuel Macron is set to deliver a keynote speech late Friday, where he’s expected to position France — and Europe — as champions of international cooperation and rules-based trade. Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will deliver a Special Address on May 31 while Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will also host delegates to a dinner on Saturday.

MINDEF detailed that Singapore’s Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing will speak at the seventh plenary session on June 1 on the topic ‘Enhancing Security Cooperation for a Stable Asia-Pacific’.

As a regular feature of the SLD, Chan will host visiting Ministers to Roundtable discussions on Saturday and Sunday and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) Defence Ministers to breakfast. Chan will also conduct bilateral meetings with Ministers and senior officials from various countries on the sidelines of the SLD.

Analysts say key topics will likely include regional cooperation, the US security policies and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The implications of sweeping US tariffs are also likely to attract attention, as officials will use the platform to reassure partners and navigate an increasingly multipolar security landscape.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth is also in Singapore to attend SLD and held a meeting with Chan on the sidelines of the event on Friday.

“During the meeting, Chan and Hegseth reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship and the mutually beneficial partnership between Singapore and the US, as anchored by the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding United States Use of Facilities in Singapore. The 1990 MOU was last renewed in 2019 between then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and US President Donald Trump,” read a statement issued by the MINDEF.

“Chan and Secretary Hegseth agreed on the importance of the US’ continued engagement in the Asia-Pacific, which is vital for regional peace, stability and prosperity. Secretary Hegseth also expressed appreciation for Singapore’s consistent support for the US’ military presence in and engagement of the region. This includes Singapore’s facilitation of rotations by US aircraft and vessels, including rotational deployments, port calls, and aircraft stopovers,” it added.

The Dialogue runs from Friday through Sunday.

–IANS

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The Congress camp is particularly concerned about Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s cryptic tweets, stating that “attempts might be futile, but prayers will surely fetch victory.”

This comes right after AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement regarding the appointment of new state presidents for the party.

Meanwhile, Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi, a close associate of CM Siddaramaiah, camped in New Delhi for two days and met with high command leaders.

Minister of Cooperation K.N. Rajanna, a staunch follower of CM Siddaramaiah, also visited New Delhi.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara is expected to travel there next week.

All these leaders belong to oppressed communities and are reportedly lobbying against Deputy CM Shivakumar’s dominance in the party at the behest of CM Siddaramaiah.

Shivakumar now faces a challenging situation — on one hand, he risks losing his position as State President, and on the other, his hopes of emerging as the unquestioned leader of the party in the next Karnataka Assembly election have taken a serious hit given CM Siddaramaiah’s announcement that he not only intends to complete his term but is also open to serving a third term.

Moreover, Shivakumar is being challenged by ministers aligned with Siddaramaiah, who have openly defied him.

These ministers have strongly advocated for the creation of more Deputy CM positions in the state and have pushed for a Dalit candidate for the CM post in case of a leadership change.

Shivakumar, who hails from the Vokkaliga community, played a crucial role in consolidating Vokkaliga votes for the Congress party during the Assembly elections.

He was projected as a CM candidate alongside CM Siddaramaiah. However, with prominent leaders from oppressed communities uniting and lobbying against him, it remains to be seen how he will navigate this political challenge.

Sources suggest that the party high command is treading carefully, as any decision could send the wrong signal to the masses and the party’s organisation would take a serious hit.

Despite allegations of irregularities and some incidents of serious nature occurring in the state, the opposition BJP and JD(S) were not able to disturb the ruling Congress as CM Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar stood united.

It is feared that if their unity is broken, the party would plunge into chaos.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda and Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy are making all efforts to regain command over the Vokkaliga community.

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–IANS

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Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta calls for tobacco-free Delhi

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“It is not enough to regulate — real change comes about when people consciously reject tobacco for the sake of their health and loved ones,” he remarked.

The event concluded with a pledge ceremony led by Gupta, where participants reaffirmed their commitment to a tobacco-free lifestyle.

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Earlier this week, Gupta inaugurated three new recreation centres for senior citizens in the Rohini Assembly Constituency and emphasised that senior citizens have an inherent right to live with dignity.

He said their rich life experience is a valuable asset for society, which must be utilised meaningfully.

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Assam CM meets Japan Tourism minister

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Chief Minister Sarma talked about promoting tourism and using it as a force multiplier to bring prosperity and deepen the friendly ties between Assam and Japan.

Sarma said that from Charaideo Moidams to Kaziranga, the flourishing tea gardens along with the sprawling golf courses stand tall as Assam’s untapped potential that can offer grace and grandeur to the Japanese tourists.

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