How Are India and Singapore Strengthening Their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership?
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Synopsis
India and Singapore recently held their third Ministerial Roundtable, focusing on enhancing cooperation in key areas. This gathering underscores their commitment to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aiming for significant advancements in various sectors. The ongoing collaboration showcases the depth and potential of their bilateral ties.
Key Takeaways
- Focus on Digitalisation: Enhancing digital cooperation between the two countries.
- Skill Development: Joint initiatives aimed at improving workforce skills.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Collaborative efforts to promote sustainable practices.
- Healthcare Collaboration: Strengthening healthcare systems together.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Boosting industrial collaboration for economic growth.
New Delhi, Aug 13 (NationPress) India and Singapore convened the third Ministerial Roundtable on Wednesday in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing bilateral collaboration across six pivotal areas: digitalisation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.
Representing India at this important meeting were External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Union Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The Singaporean delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng, and Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow.
EAM S. Jaishankar expressed gratitude to the Singaporean officials for their dedication to fortifying the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. He highlighted the interaction between the ISMR and the India-Singapore Business Roundtable as a vital component in unlocking the next phase of bilateral relations.
“I am thrilled to participate in the 3rd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in New Delhi. I extend my thanks to DPM Gan Kim Yong, Coordinating Minister K. Shanmugam, FM Vivian Balakrishnan, and others for their commitment to enhancing our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The ISMR's productive discussions with the India-Singapore Business Roundtable delegation reaffirm that government and industry collaboration is essential for advancing our ties,” Jaishankar shared on X following the meeting.
On Tuesday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal warmly welcomed the Singaporean Ministerial delegation arriving for the third ISMR in New Delhi. Jaiswal stated on X, “A heartfelt welcome to DPM Mr. Gan Kim Yong, FM Vivian Balakrishnan, and the Ministerial delegation from Singapore as they come to New Delhi for the 3rd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR). This unique mechanism continues to bolster the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
The ties between India and Singapore were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore in September 2024. With a shared history and a long-standing friendship founded on trust and mutual respect, the cooperation between the two nations has evolved and diversified over time.
Conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the ISMR serves as a unique platform for establishing a new agenda for India-Singapore collaboration. The inaugural meeting took place in New Delhi in September 2022, followed by the second meeting in Singapore in August 2024.
Point of View
I observe that the ongoing dialogue between India and Singapore through their Ministerial Roundtable is a strategic move that reflects their commitment to mutual growth. The focus on critical sectors such as sustainability and advanced manufacturing signifies a forward-looking approach that aligns with global trends. Strengthening ties in this manner not only benefits both nations but also enhances regional stability and cooperation.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable?
The India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable aims to enhance bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including digitalisation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.
Who represented India in the latest Ministerial Roundtable?
India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
What were the key areas of discussion during the roundtable?
The discussions revolved around strengthening cooperation in digitalisation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.
When was the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established?
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore was established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore in September 2024.
How does the ISMR contribute to India-Singapore relations?
The ISMR serves as a unique mechanism to set a new agenda for India-Singapore cooperation, enhancing collaboration and fostering deeper ties between the two nations.
