India-Singapore Ties Built on Shared Values and Mutual Interests: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reaffirmed that the relationship between India and Singapore extends far beyond diplomacy, emphasizing that it is grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and common interests. He made these remarks during a joint press conference with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who is currently on his first official visit to India.

The visit holds special significance as both countries are celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. Prime Minister Modi described Singapore as a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy and underscored the importance of working together with ASEAN to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Reflecting on his own visit to Singapore in 2024, Prime Minister Modi noted that bilateral ties were elevated to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Over the past year, the strength and frequency of dialogue and cooperation between the two nations have increased notably. He highlighted that Singapore is India’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and a major source of investment, with growing collaboration in areas such as defence, people-to-people ties, and technological innovation.

During the press conference, Prime Minister Modi announced that India and Singapore have prepared a detailed roadmap to guide future cooperation. This roadmap includes collaboration in advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skill development, civil nuclear energy, and urban water management. He also emphasized the growing importance of emerging technologies and announced deeper collaboration in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, and digital technologies. Modi called technology and innovation a strong pillar of the India-Singapore partnership.

Highlighting the success of digital connectivity between the two countries, he pointed to the UPI-PayNow linkage as a prime example. Thirteen new Indian banks have now been added to the cross-border payment system, further strengthening financial integration. He also confirmed that both countries will undertake timely reviews of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement to ensure continued relevance and mutual benefit.

In a significant development, the two leaders jointly inaugurated the second phase of the JN Port-PSA Mumbai Terminal. 

Prime Minister Modi also announced Singapore’s collaboration in establishing a National Centre for Skill Excellence in Chennai, which will focus on developing a skilled workforce for the advanced manufacturing sector. He further noted that Gujarat’s GIFT City is emerging as a major bridge between the stock markets of India and Singapore, while the recently signed Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement is set to give a new direction to joint research and development efforts.

With a future-oriented approach and a foundation rooted in trust and mutual benefit, India and Singapore continue to deepen their partnership across strategic, economic, and technological spheres.