India and Singapore have strengthened their bilateral cooperation by adding advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and aviation and maritime connectivity as new areas of collaboration under a ministerial mechanism. These topics were key focuses at the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) hosted by Singapore. The mechanism was broadened with more ministers from both sides, signaling the increasing importance and scope of this partnership, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The two nations finalised around half a dozen agreements in sectors such as food trade, digital cooperation, skill development, healthcare, and the green economy. The sources added that these agreements are expected to be unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore next month.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar described the talks as productive in a post on X, highlighting the exploration of cooperation in sustainability, healthcare, and connectivity. “ISMR enables the emergence of a more contemporary partnership,” he stated.
Singapore’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan, speaking to reporters after the meeting, confirmed that advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and connectivity are significant new areas added under the mechanism, offering substantial opportunities for businesses in both countries. He also noted that the meeting set the stage for Modi’s expected visit, emphasising the vast potential in India’s aviation sector, with Indian airlines placing orders for nearly 1,000 new aircraft. Highlighting India’s “major upgrade” of its aviation sector, Balakrishnan remarked, “This is a once in a two- or three-decade opportunity, and it’s good that we are…in the front seat and have a chance.”
