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India–Singapore ties deepen with FDI surge, trade review put on fast-track

Singapore is now India’s largest foreign investor, with over $175 billion in inflows since FY14, even as trade deficit widens

September 05, 2025 / 20:55 IST
India Singapore look to deepen ties

India Singapore look to deepen ties


India’s trade with Singapore has edged up only modestly over the past decade, but the investment relationship has grown into one of the strongest pillars of bilateral engagement. Singapore is now India’s single-largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI), accounting for nearly a third of total inflows in recent years.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong on September 4, the two sides signed five agreements to strengthen cooperation. They also agreed to fast-track the review of the India–Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA). A refreshed CECA is expected to help narrow trade imbalances while opening new sectors for collaboration.

Exports to Singapore stood at $12.9 billion in FY25, up from $9.8 billion in FY15—an increase of just over 30 percent, compared with a 40 percent rise in India’s overall exports during the same period. Imports, however, have grown faster, climbing from $7.1 billion in FY15 to $21.3 billion in FY25, leaving India with a widening trade deficit. While electricals, machinery, and plastics dominate the import basket, it has diversified in the last decade.


In contrast, Singapore has emerged as India’s leading investor. Cumulative FDI inflows since FY14 amount to more than $175 billion, with over $100 billion arriving since FY19. Singapore overtook Mauritius to become the top investor in FY19 and has held the position since. In FY25, India received nearly $15 billion from Singapore—out of total inflows of about $50 billion—while FY21 saw a record $17.4 billion.

Although there is no arms trade between the countries, defence partnerships seems to be on the cards. Singapore backed India’s interest in the Malacca Straits Patrol.

“Singapore acknowledges with appreciation India’s interest in the Malacca Straits Patrol,” the joint statement read, as the two countries also reaffirmed their commitment to continue military cooperation.

Ishaan Gera
first published: Sep 5, 2025 08:55 pm

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