New Delhi, Sep 4 (UNI) India and Singapore today outlined a detailed roadmap to enhance their ties, with focus on advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy and urban water management, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said after holding talks with Singapore PM Lawrence Wong here.
The two PMs also inaugurated virtually the Jawaharlal Nehru -PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT) Phase-II, which Singapore’s PSA International Pte Ltd has helped develop.
Both sides inked several MoUs, including on setting up a centre of excellence in skilling in Chennai, and in civil aviation cooperation. PM Modi thanked the Singapore PM for his and government’s support to India in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
He said that last year the two sides had elevated their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has given pace and depth to the relationship. He said that Singapore is India’s largest partner in the SouthEast Asian region.
“We have brought out a detailed roadmap of our ties. We will focus on advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy, urban water management,” the PM said in his media remarks.
He said the two sides have decided to boost trade, and also called for review of the Asean FTA, which has been dragging for some time. He said that semiconductors is a major sector of cooperation between the two sides, and noted the sizeable presence of Singaporean companies in Semicon India.
He said in Chennai, Singapore will set up skill manpower centre in the field of semiconductors. “Technology and innovation are the foundations of India-Singapore relations. We will focus on AI, quantum and digital tech to deepen our ties,” the PM added.
Earlier in his address, he noted that this is PM Wong’s first visit to India after taking over as prime minister, and welcomed him. “The visit is even more special as we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of our ties.”
PM Modi said their cooperation in the space sector is adding a new dimension to their ties, and that both sides will hold a hackathon in Singapore to join their youth.
The PM said the cooperation between India’s UPI and Singapore’s Pay Now has been successful. He said the government is working on boosting India’s port infrastructure and Singapore’s participation in that has a big role
The two are also working together in the field of green shipping and shipping corridor. “Singapore is an important pillar of our Act East Policy. We will continue to work together to advance our Joint Vision for cooperation with ASEAN and for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” the PM added.
“Our relations go far beyond diplomacy. It is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests and a common vision for peace, progress and prosperity. I thank you for your personal investment in the relationship,” the PM Modi added.
