India & Singapore Forge ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ In Landmark Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong have unveiled a new era in bilateral relations, agreeing to establish a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ during a high-profile meeting on Thursday.

This development marks a significant milestone in the two nations’ relationship.

PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Singapore at the invitation of Wong, described the agreement as a transformative step.

The leaders engaged in extensive discussions covering a range of sectors including advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalization, healthcare, skills development, and sustainability.

Randhir Jaiswal, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared the news on X, stating, “A new chapter in India-Singapore ties: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established.”

“PM @narendramodi and PM @LawrenceWongST held a productive meeting in Singapore today,” he added.

Randhir Jaiswal further asserted, “The leaders agreed to elevate the India-Singapore ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They extensively reviewed various facets of the bilateral relationship covering areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalization, Healthcare & Medicine, Skills Development and Sustainability.”

India & Singapore Sign Key MoUs To Boost Collaboration

Several key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to bolster collaboration between the two countries. These agreements include:

• Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership: Between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.
• Digital Technologies Cooperation: Between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
• Educational and Skills Development: Between India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Singapore’s Ministry of Education.
• Health and Medicine Cooperation: Between India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Singapore’s Ministry of Health.

These MoUs are likely to strengthen the strategic ties and open new avenues for cooperation in critical areas.

During his visit, PM Modi however emphasized India’s aspiration to emulate Singapore’s success, stating, “Singapore is not just a partner country but an inspiration for every developing country. We also want to create many Singapores in Bharat. I am happy that we are working in that direction together. Ministerial roundtables formed between us are a path-breaking mechanism. Skilling, digitisation, mobility, semiconductor, advance manufacturing, AI, healthcare, sustainability cybersecurity areas of cooperation have become symbols of the initiatives.”

PM Modi Receives Ceremonial Welcome; Signs Visitor’s Book At Parliament House

Before the talks, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Singapore Parliament House.

Both leaders engaged with ministers and delegates from their respective countries and PM Modi signed the visitor’s book, marking a symbolic gesture of friendship.

The meeting comes shortly after Lawrence Wong assumed office as Singapore’s Prime Minister and as PM Modi embarks on his third term as India’s Prime Minister.

PM Modi further extended his congratulations to Wong, expressing confidence in Singapore’s continued progress under his leadership, stating, “I thank you for your warm welcome. This is our first meeting after you assumed the post of Prime Minister. Many congratulations to you from my side. I am confident that under the leadership of 4G, Singapore will progress even faster.”

This visit however underscores the deepening relationship between India and Singapore, setting the stage for enhanced cooperation and strategic alignment in the years to come.

Also Read: PM Modi Aims To Replicate Singapore’s Success In India During Talks With Singapore PM Lawrence Wong