India-Singapore elevate ties to comprehensive strategic partnership level

New Delhi, Sep 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day official visit to Singapore, met with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong today at Parliament House.

The meeting marked a milestone in the bilateral relationship between India and Singapore, with both leaders agreeing to raise their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a move expected to significantly boost India’s Act East Policy.

Prime Minister Modi was given a ceremonial welcome by Prime Minister Wong, setting the stage for a series of high-level discussions. Both leaders reviewed the progress in India-Singapore bilateral relations, focusing on expanding trade, investment, and collaboration in emerging sectors such as semiconductors, digital technologies, and sustainability.

“Singapore, with an investment of around USD 160 billion in the Indian economy, is a leading economic partner for India,” Prime Minister Modi highlighted during the talks. He emphasised the immense investment opportunities available in India for Singaporean entities, particularly in light of India's rapid and sustained economic growth.

The two leaders also assessed the existing cooperation in defence, security, maritime domain awareness, education, AI, fintech, and knowledge partnership. They agreed on the importance of strengthening connectivity to enhance economic and people-to-people ties. Additionally, they called for the acceleration of green corridor projects, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.

The discussion also covered the outcomes of the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, held in Singapore in August 2024. Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Wong praised the work done by senior ministers from both countries in identifying new avenues for bilateral cooperation.

Both leaders agreed on the need for accelerated action under the identified pillars—Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalisation, Healthcare & Medicine, Skills Development, and Sustainability—with a special focus on semiconductors and emerging technologies.

A significant highlight of the meeting was the announcement of India’s first Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Singapore, highlighting the cultural connections between the two nations. The leaders also exchanged views on key regional and global issues, including India-ASEAN relations and India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific.

Both leaders witnessed the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focused on cooperation in semiconductors, digital technologies, skill development, and healthcare. These MoUs are seen as the direct outcomes of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtables, aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship.

Following the talks, Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by Prime Minister Wong, visited AEM Holdings Ltd., a leading Singaporean company in the semiconductor and electronics sector. The visit included a briefing on AEM’s role in the global semiconductor value chain and its operations and plans for India. Representatives from the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association and other Singaporean companies also participated, discussing opportunities for collaboration with India.

During the visit to AEM, the Prime Ministers interacted with Indian interns from Odisha’s World Skill Centre undergoing training in Singapore, as well as Singaporean interns who had visited India under the CII-Enterprise Singapore India Ready Talent Programme. Indian engineers working at AEM also had the opportunity to engage with the leaders.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi met with Senior Minister and former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong. The Senior Minister hosted a lunch in Prime Minister Modi’s honour, where the two leaders reflected on the progress of India-Singapore relations and explored new areas of cooperation, particularly in green energy and FinTech.

In a message on X Modi said, “It is always gladdening to meet my friend and former PM of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong. He has always been a strong votary of close India-Singapore ties.

His insights on various matters are also very enriching. We had a great discussion on how our nations can work together in futuristic areas such as green energy, FinTech, etc.

Recalling their earlier meetings, Prime Minister and Senior Minister Lee expressed satisfaction at the progress of India – Singapore relations into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They agreed that there exists substantial potential to do more, particularly under the pillars of cooperation identified during the two meetings of India – Singapore Ministerial Roundtable. They exchanged ideas for further strengthening bilateral cooperation and on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister in another message on X said, “Met Goh Chok Tong, Emeritus Senior Minister and a widely respected statesman. We had extensive discussions on ways to add momentum to the India-Singapore friendship. His experience and expertise are very valued.”