“Rooted in Shared Values”: PM Modi on India-Singapore Relations
India, Singapore to deepen ties in advanced manufacturing, green shipping, digital tech, defence, and trade agreements
- PM Modi welcomes Singapore PM Lawrence Wong on his first India visit after taking office
- Both leaders mark 60 years of diplomatic ties, unveil roadmap for future cooperation
- Focus on advanced manufacturing, AI, quantum tech, green shipping, water management, and space collaboration
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th Sept: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday welcomed Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on his first official visit to India since assuming office, describing the occasion as “special” as both nations celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Addressing a joint press statement in New Delhi, PM Modi hailed Singapore as India’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and a key investor in India. He noted that people-to-people ties, defence cooperation, and economic relations have grown significantly over the past year since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Unveiling a detailed roadmap for future cooperation, PM Modi said the partnership will expand beyond traditional areas to include advanced manufacturing, green shipping, civil nuclear cooperation, skilling, and urban water management. He announced that the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) would undergo a time-bound review to boost bilateral trade.
Highlighting growing sub-national engagement, PM Modi pointed out that Singapore has built strong ties with Indian states such as Odisha, Telangana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, with GIFT City emerging as a new bridge for stock market linkages.
The Prime Minister also welcomed Singapore’s decision to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai, which will train skilled manpower in advanced manufacturing.
On the technology front, India and Singapore agreed to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, digital innovation, and space science. “Technology and innovation are strong pillars of our partnership,” PM Modi said, adding that the next edition of the India-Singapore Hackathon would be held later this year.
Digital connectivity between the two nations has strengthened with 13 more Indian banks joining the UPI–PayNow link, while a new pact on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors will boost maritime fuel supply chains and digital port clearance systems.
PM Modi and PM Wong also jointly inaugurated the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-2, developed by Singapore’s SPA International, which will enhance India’s container handling capacity.
Reaffirming Singapore’s role in India’s Act East Policy, PM Modi said both countries will continue to work together for ASEAN cooperation and Indo-Pacific stability. He thanked PM Wong and the Singaporean government for their support after the Pahalgam terror attack, stressing that both nations share common concerns over terrorism.
“Our relations go far beyond diplomacy. This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress and prosperity,” PM Modi said, expressing gratitude for PM Wong’s personal commitment to the bilateral relationship.
