60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations: India-Singapore Relations Enter a New Phase

1. On January 16, 2025, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore visited India and highlighted that India-Singapore relations have entered a new phase.
2. This is after both countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2024.
3. His visit marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

1. Upgrading Bilateral Relations:

   1. In 2024, India and Singapore agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).
   2. This move aims to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.
   3. The countries are working together in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, logistics, connectivity, petrochemicals, aerospace services, and skills development.

2. Important Sectors of Cooperation:

   1. Semiconductors and Advanced Manufacturing: Singapore is helping India develop its semiconductor industry, which is crucial for the country's technological growth.
   2. The two countries are also working together in advanced manufacturing.
   3. Logistics and Connectivity: Singapore sees a lot of potential in helping improve logistics infrastructure and connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.
   4. Petrochemicals and Aerospace: The two nations are working in petrochemical industries and providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for aerospace, which is important for India's defense and aviation industries.
   5. Skilling: Singapore has been involved in skilling Indian workers in different sectors and plans to continue its support, especially in new industries like green energy and digital technology.
   6. Sustainability: India and Singapore are focusing on net-zero industrial parks (parks that aim to have no carbon emissions) and renewable energy.
   7. They are also exploring the possibility of creating a renewable energy corridor between the two countries.

3. Digital Collaboration:

   1. Data Corridor: India and Singapore are considering the creation of a data corridor between GIFT City in India and Singapore to help their financial institutions exchange information securely.
   2. This will help boost financial technology (fintech) and digital trade between the two countries.

4. Strategic Partnership in Defense:

   1. The two countries share a strong defense relationship and are working together to improve security in the Indo-Pacific region. Singapore plays a key role in supporting India’s defense strategy.

Commemorating 60 Years of Diplomatic Relations:

1. Joint Logo for 60th Anniversary:

   1. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, President Tharman and Indian President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a joint logo.
   2. The logo includes symbols like:
      • The lotus (India’s national flower).
      • The orchid (Singapore’s national flower).
      • The number 60, representing six decades of diplomatic relations.
   3. This logo highlights the friendship, trust, and shared values between the two countries.

2. Historical Significance:

   1. India was one of the first countries to recognize Singapore’s independence in 1965, starting a strong and enduring relationship.
   2. Over the last 60 years, India and Singapore have built a natural partnership based on mutual interests in areas like trade, defense, and education.

Meetings and Discussions:

1. Meetings with Indian Leaders:

   1. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam held talks with:
      • President Droupadi Murmu: The two leaders discussed how to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore.
      • Prime Minister Narendra Modi: They focused on areas like trade, technology, defense, and sustainability.
   2. Both leaders highlighted the importance of a strong relationship between the two countries, particularly in regional security and economic growth.

2. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s Meeting (January 15, 2025):

   1. Main topics discussed: Cooperation in semiconductors, skilling, trade development, and industrial parks.
   2. Jaishankar expressed confidence that the visit would give a boost to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

3. Minister of State for Skill Development Jayant Singh:

   1. Singh met President Tharman to discuss cooperation in education and skills development, particularly in emerging industries like green technology and digital sectors.

Significance and Long-Term Goals:

1. Strategic and Defense Cooperation:

   1. India and Singapore have a strong defense partnership, and the two countries are working together to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
   2. Singapore supports India’s role in maintaining regional security, and both countries share common security concerns.

2. Economic and Trade Cooperation:

   1. Singapore has been India’s largest foreign investor for many years, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, technology, and finance.
   2. The two countries are also focusing on enhancing their trade relations, especially in emerging fields like digital trade, green energy, and advanced manufacturing.

3. Cultural and Educational Ties:

   1. Singapore and India share deep cultural connections, with a large Indian diaspora in Singapore.
   2. Educational exchanges between the two countries are growing, and both nations are focused on improving skills to meet future demands in the global economy.

4. Focus on Sustainability:

   1. Both countries are committed to fighting climate change. They are working together to build green industrial parks and create a renewable energy corridor to support sustainability and help achieve global climate goals.
   2. India and Singapore are also collaborating to help reduce carbon emissions and promote clean energy.

 India-Singapore relations:

Historical Connect	India was among the first countries to recognize Singapore’s independence in 1965. Sir Stamford Raffles established a trading station in 1819, which led to Singapore becoming a major hub for trade, influenced by India.
Prime Minister Visits (India)	PM Modi has visited Singapore 5 times since 2014, including significant visits in November 2015, May-June 2018. India-Singapore relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore in September 2024.
Prime Minister Visits (Singapore)	PM Lee Hsien Loong visited India 4 times: in 2016, January 2018, September 2023 for G20, and virtually in November 2023 for G20. They have also met on the sidelines of G20 Summits in Rome (2021) and Bali (2022).
Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR)	The first ISMR meeting was held on 17 September 2022 in New Delhi. The second ISMR took place on 26 August 2024 in Singapore with key ministers from both sides focusing on emerging sectors like fintech, green economy, and digital connectivity.
Trade (2023-24)	Bilateral trade stood at USD 35.6 billion. Imports from Singapore were USD 21.2 billion (a decline of 10.2% from the previous year), and exports to Singapore totaled USD 14.4 billion (a growth of 20.2%).
FDI from Singapore to India	In FY 2023-24, FDI from Singapore to India was USD 11.7 billion, with a cumulative total of USD 167.47 billion (24% of India’s total FDI). The key sectors include services, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and computer software.
Indian Companies in Singapore	Over 9,000 Indian companies are registered in Singapore. These companies are primarily involved in sectors such as IT, finance, and trade.
Singapore Companies in India	Over 440 Singapore companies operate in India, including major investments in sectors like banking, manufacturing, and trade.
Defense Cooperation	Regular defense dialogues and exercises. In October 2024, Singapore’s Defense Minister visited India for the 6th Defense Ministers’ Dialogue. Key exercises include: SIMBEX (naval), Agni Warrior (army), and Joint Military Training (air force). The 31st SIMBEX (October 2024) and 13th Agni Warrior (Oct-Dec 2024) are part of this cooperation.
Space and Technology	India has launched multiple Singaporean satellites since 2011, including Singapore’s first indigenous satellite. The two countries also established a Cyber Policy Dialogue in 2024, with the first meeting in October 2024.
Cultural Cooperation	India-Singapore cultural relations are strong, with Tamil being one of Singapore’s official languages. There is a large Indian-origin population (9% of Singapore’s population) actively involved in cultural promotion. The Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center is set to be established to enhance cultural ties.
Multilateral Cooperation	Singapore joined the International Solar Alliance in June 2023 and the Global Bio-fuel Alliance in September 2023. Singapore also supported India’s initiatives, such as the Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure at the G20 Summit in Brazil (2024).
Indian Diaspora	The Indian community in Singapore is significant, with over 1.64 million foreign nationals, especially in the finance, IT, and construction sectors. Singapore hosts the largest concentration of IIT and IIM alumni outside India.
Skill Development	India and Singapore are collaborating on skill development projects. Skill centers have been set up in 6 states (Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Rajasthan, Assam, Odisha, Telangana), with ongoing projects in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.
MoUs and Initiatives	During PM Modi’s visit in September 2024, India and Singapore exchanged MoUs on Semiconductor Ecosystem, Digital Technologies, Healthcare, and Skill Development. The Invest India Office was also opened in Singapore to promote investments.
Invest India Office	Opened in Singapore on 22 September 2024 to facilitate investments from Singapore. This move is expected to strengthen economic ties and promote bilateral investment flows.
FDI from Singapore	Singapore remains the largest source of FDI for India. Outward FDI from India to Singapore was USD 4.87 billion in FY 2023-24.

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