PM Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed technology and innovation as the ‘strong pillars’ of India-Singapore relations during a joint press conference with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in New Delhi.
He announced new initiatives to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and digital technologies.
Expanding Digital and Space Cooperation
PM Modi highlighted UPI and PayNow as ‘successful examples’ of digital connectivity and revealed that 13 more Indian banks have joined the system.
He confirmed that India and Singapore will hold the next India-Singapore Hackathon later this year to promote youth innovation.
He also said the newly signed space sector agreement adds ‘a new chapter’ to collaboration in space science.
Both nations agreed to review the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in a time-bound manner. PM Modi emphasised that this would accelerate mutual trade and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Strengthening Strategic Partnership
Welcoming PM Wong on his first visit to India since taking office, PM Modi recalled his 2024 trip to Singapore, when the two nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He outlined new areas of cooperation, including advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, nuclear energy, and urban water management.
“Singapore is our largest trade partner in Southeast Asia, with growing investments and robust defence ties. People-to-people connections remain strong and vibrant. Today, we have prepared a roadmap to take this partnership further,” PM Modi said.
PM Modi described India-Singapore ties as ‘a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision of peace, progress, and prosperity’.
He noted that Indian states, such as Odisha, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh, are actively building links with Singapore.
He also pointed to growing cooperation in semiconductor research, with Singaporean companies playing a key role at the Semicon India Conference, and announced Singapore’s support in establishing a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Singapore for condemning the recent Pahalgam terror attack and reaffirmed both nations’ shared commitment to fighting terrorism.
“We believe it is the duty of all humanitarian countries to fight terrorism in solidarity,” he said.
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