India and Singapore are embarking on a new phase of their strategic partnership, with a focus on strengthening ties in trade and technology. This development arrived during Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's official visit to New Delhi, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders have expressed a shared vision for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, setting the stage for a dynamic and forward-looking relationship.

Expanding Cooperation

The two nations have outlined a comprehensive roadmap to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), encompassing eight key areas: economic cooperation, skills development, digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, healthcare and medicine, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and defence and security cooperation. This roadmap aims to build long-term resilience in an increasingly complex global environment.

Trade and Economic Ties

A central focus of the enhanced partnership is to deepen bilateral trade and market access. Both countries are committed to building upon the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and to making substantial progress on the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) in 2025. They plan to expedite the review of these trade pacts to accelerate trade. Singapore is India's largest trade partner in Southeast Asia, with annual bilateral trade more than doubling since CECA's implementation, reaching S$52.2 billion in 2023.

Technology and Innovation

Recognizing technology and innovation as strong pillars of their partnership, India and Singapore have agreed to expand collaboration in areas such as AI, quantum computing, and other digital technologies. This includes cooperation under the India-Singapore Semiconductor Policy Dialogue, facilitating partnerships with Singaporean companies and advancing resilient semiconductor supply chains. India is keen on leveraging Singapore's expertise in chip production and semiconductor equipment output as it prepares to roll out its first made-in-India semiconductors.

Skills Development

Singapore will continue to support India's skills development efforts, acting as a global partner for the National Centre of Excellence in Skilling in Chennai and helping establish state-level skills centers in areas like aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and semiconductors. The partnership will also focus on nursing skills development, enhancing the employability of nurses in Singapore.

Digitalization and Fintech

Both sides aim to strengthen collaboration in fintech, digital finance, cybersecurity, and start-ups. They intend to expand the UPI-PayNow linkage and explore AI applications in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education. An agreement on digital asset innovation between the Reserve Bank of India and the Monetary Authority of Singapore will focus on developing more efficient digital financial channels to support cross-border financial flows.

Sustainability and Green Initiatives

India and Singapore will explore cooperation in urban water management and civil nuclear technology and deepen food security links. They are also committed to establishing a green and digital shipping corridor, focusing on infrastructure and technologies to enable the uptake of zero or near-zero greenhouse gas emission fuels.

Defense and Security

Expanding defence and maritime security partnerships is a key priority. Singapore has acknowledged India's interest in the Malacca Straits Patrol, a long-standing demand to counterbalance Chinese presence in the region. The two sides have decided to deepen defence technology ties in emerging areas such as quantum computing, AI, automation, and unmanned vessels.

Countering Global Challenges

In a world marked by uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore is increasingly important. The two nations have also inked new industry agreements to counter the impact of punitive US tariffs. By strengthening cooperation and diversifying their economies, India and Singapore aim to navigate global challenges and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific region.