India and Singapore strengthen ties; four MoUs signed during PM Modi's visit

Lawrence Wong and PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong took significant steps to elevate bilateral relations during a productive meeting in Singapore on Thursday.

The two leaders agreed to enhance the partnership between their nations by signing four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), signalling a commitment to greater cooperation in various sectors.

India and Singapore signed four key MoUs during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore. The first MoU, between India's Ministry of Electronics and IT and Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development, focuses on collaboration in digital technologies, including cybersecurity, 5G, and AI.

The second, signed with Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry, aims to develop a semiconductor ecosystem and attract investments.

The third MoU, between health ministries, facilitates cooperation in healthcare and research.

The final MoU, on educational cooperation, promotes collaboration in skill development and vocational training between the two nations.

“A new chapter in India-Singapore ties: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established. PM @narendramodi and PM @LawrenceWongST held a productive meeting in Singapore today," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, shared on X (formerly Twitter).

Modi’s visit to Singapore, which comes at the invitation of Prime Minister Wong, is part of his two-day trip after concluding a successful visit to Brunei. His arrival in Singapore was met with a warm reception from the Indian community, and he was accorded a red-carpet welcome at the Singapore Parliament House, where he also signed the visitor’s book.

During the discussions, the two leaders extensively reviewed the bilateral relationship, covering areas such as advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalization, healthcare, skills development, and sustainability. Wong recently assumed office as Singapore’s Prime Minister, while Modi began his third term as India’s prime minister, adding a fresh momentum to the ties between the two countries.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Lee will host a lunch for Modi as part of the visit. Modi will also meet with business leaders in Singapore and engage with key players in the country’s semiconductor ecosystem, followed by a visit to a semiconductor manufacturing facility.

Prime Minister Modi's visit underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its ties with Singapore, particularly in key sectors that drive both nations' economic growth and development.

(With inputs from agencies)