Are Technology and Innovation Strong Pillars of the India-Singapore Partnership?

New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that technology and innovation are fundamental pillars of the partnership between India and Singapore. During his announcement, he revealed that both countries have agreed to strengthen collaboration in AI, quantum computing, and other digital technologies.

In a press conference alongside Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, PM Modi highlighted UPI and PayNow as successful models of digital connectivity. He declared that India and Singapore have resolved to reassess the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and the Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in a structured timeframe.

"Technology and innovation are the core strengths of our partnership. We have committed to enhancing cooperation in AI, quantum, and various digital technologies. Today's agreement in the space domain marks a new chapter in space science collaboration. We are also set to conduct the next India-Singapore Hackathon later this year to engage our youth with their talents. The integration of UPI and PayNow has been a significant achievement, with 13 new Indian banks joining this initiative today," he noted.

Welcoming Prime Minister Wong, PM Modi said: "I warmly welcome Prime Minister Wong on his inaugural visit to India since he took office. This visit is particularly significant as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations this year."

He reminisced about his visit to Singapore in 2024, where both nations upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, outlining key areas of future collaboration.

PM Modi described Singapore as a crucial partner in India's Act East policy, stating that both countries will continue to collaborate with ASEAN to promote a shared vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

"Last year, during my visit to Singapore, we elevated our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In just a year, our discussions and collaborations have broadened significantly. Singapore is now our largest trade partner in Southeast Asia, with substantial investments flowing into India. Our defense ties are becoming stronger, and people-to-people connections are vibrant. Today, we've laid out an extensive roadmap for our future partnership, which will extend beyond traditional areas to include advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skill development, civil, nuclear, and urban water management," he stated.

He remarked that the relationship between India and Singapore transcends mere diplomacy. "This partnership is purposeful, grounded in shared values, driven by mutual interests, and focused on a collective vision of peace, progress, and prosperity."

PM Modi announced, "We have agreed to a timely review of the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and our Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN to boost mutual trade. Our states will play a key role in India-Singapore relations. During President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's visit to India in January, he toured Odisha. In the past year, Chief Ministers from Odisha, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh have visited Singapore. GIFT City in Gujarat has emerged as a vital link connecting our stock markets. The Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement signed last year has also paved new avenues for research and development. The active involvement of Singaporean companies in the Semicon India Conference was noteworthy. Singapore will assist in establishing a National Centre of Excellence for Skill Development in Chennai, aimed at creating a skilled workforce in advanced manufacturing," he added.

Expressing appreciation for Singapore's support in combating terrorism, PM Modi stated: "We share common concerns regarding terrorism. It is the duty of all humanitarian nations to confront terrorism collectively. Following the recent attack in Pahalgam, I sincerely thank Prime Minister Wong and the Singaporean government for their condolences and support in our fight against terrorism."