Marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is on a high-profile state visit to India from January 15-18, 2025. The visit is not only a celebration of six decades of ties but also an opportunity to strengthen collaboration in key sectors, including trade, technology, defense, and skill development. As Singapore looks to diversify its partnerships within India, President Shanmugaratnam’s trip holds significant implications for both countries’ futures in an increasingly interconnected world.
Strengthening Ties with Odisha
A noteworthy aspect of the visit is the focus on Odisha, a state in eastern India that has become a strategic area of interest for Singapore. While Singapore has long been associated with India’s major economic hubs such as Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, this visit signals an effort to broaden Singapore’s engagement with other promising regions. President Shanmugaratnam will visit Odisha from January 17-18, exploring opportunities for collaboration in industries like vaccine manufacturing, semiconductor technology, and industrial automation.
One of the key highlights of the Odisha leg of the visit will be President Shanmugaratnam’s tour of the Bharat Biotech vaccine manufacturing facility and the World Skills Centre, supported by Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Education Services (ITEES). These initiatives reflect Singapore’s commitment to contributing its expertise in education and healthcare to India’s growth.
“We believe that Odisha holds immense potential in sectors such as technology and healthcare, and we are excited to work with the state to explore new avenues of partnership,” President Shanmugaratnam said ahead of his visit.
Key Meetings in New Delhi: Strengthening Political and Economic Relations
In New Delhi, President Shanmugaratnam will meet with India’s top political leadership, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The discussions are expected to focus on the evolving nature of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was upgraded during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024.
On January 16, President Murmu will host a state banquet for President Shanmugaratnam, further solidifying the growing diplomatic relationship between the two countries. In addition to political talks, the Singaporean President will confer the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das, former Director-General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in recognition of his contribution to the enhancement of India-Singapore relations.
President Shanmugaratnam will also engage with Indian thought leaders at a closed-door roundtable, focusing on areas such as trade, digitalization, and emerging technologies. With discussions centered on future collaborations in high-tech industries like semiconductors, AI, and fintech, the visit is poised to catalyze deeper economic integration between Singapore and India.
Trade and Investment: The Next Frontier of Cooperation
Economic ties are set to take center stage during the visit, with both sides looking to expand cooperation in areas such as industrial automation, semiconductor manufacturing, and green energy. Bilateral trade has already surged to USD 35.6 billion in 2023-24, and Singapore remains India’s largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), contributing a substantial portion of the country’s total FDI inflows.
The visit will likely include the signing of multiple MoUs, focusing on areas such as the semiconductor ecosystem, where both countries are keen to collaborate on research, design, and manufacturing. Singapore is also keen to set up semiconductor training centers in India, in line with India’s push to build a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
“Singapore is committed to playing a central role in India’s technological transformation, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, which is crucial for the global supply chain,” said Minister for Transport and Finance Chee Hong Tat, who is accompanying the President.
Additionally, Singapore and India are discussing ways to expand air travel services between the two nations. Singapore has fully utilized its airspace allocation to India, while India’s allocation remains underused, presenting a unique opportunity for further bilateral collaboration in the aviation sector.
Defense Cooperation: A Pillar of the Partnership
Defense and security cooperation will also feature prominently in the discussions. Both countries have long shared a commitment to regional stability, and their military cooperation continues to deepen. Singapore and India regularly conduct joint military exercises, including the Agni Warrior army drills and the SIMBEX naval exercises.
The visit follows recent high-level exchanges, including the October 2024 visit of Singapore’s Defense Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen to India. The two nations are expected to continue discussions on enhancing defense ties, particularly in the areas of maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Cultural diplomacy will also be an important theme of President Shanmugaratnam’s visit. The two countries share a rich cultural heritage, and people-to-people exchanges continue to flourish. Singapore is home to a vibrant Indian diaspora, with over 1 million people of Indian origin, many of whom are engaged in various sectors such as finance, IT, and education.
During Prime Minister Modi’s September 2024 visit to Singapore, the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Cultural Center was announced, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations. The Indian community in Singapore remains a bridge between the two countries, fostering closer ties in both cultural and economic exchanges.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for India-Singapore Relations
As President Shanmugaratnam’s visit unfolds, it is clear that both nations are committed to expanding their relationship across a wide range of sectors. With discussions focused on technology, trade, defense, and culture, the visit marks a new chapter in India-Singapore relations, one that promises even deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
The 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations is not just a milestone but a stepping stone to a future where both nations are not just partners but global leaders in areas such as digitalization, innovation, and sustainable development. As Singapore strengthens its role as a key player in Southeast Asia, India remains an indispensable partner in its efforts to drive regional and global growth.
