India, Singapore Launch Strategic Roadmap for Next Decade, Signal Deeper Alignment Across Trade, Tech and Security
India and Singapore unveiled an expansive roadmap for their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) on Thursday, outlining concrete plans for joint cooperation in semiconductors, defence, digital payments, maritime security, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing, as both countries marked 60 years of diplomatic ties.
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| Image Source: MEA India |
“This is a partnership with purpose -- rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity,” Indian Prime Minister Modi said in a joint press statement.
Had a productive start to my visit in New Delhi. Last evening, I joined overseas Singaporeans and friends of Singapore for a special SG60 reception. Many had travelled from different parts of India — Chennai, Mumbai, and beyond — to be part of this occasion. pic.twitter.com/5EADDWR3nC
— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) September 4, 2025
Wong’s visit was marked by ceremonial and strategic depth — including a call on President Droupadi Murmu, floral tributes at Raj Ghat, and ministerial-level engagements led by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
The two sides formalised a forward-looking Roadmap for the CSP, committing to deepening cooperation across eight high-impact sectors: economic ties, skilling, digitalisation, sustainability, connectivity, healthcare, people-to-people relations, and defence.
Next-Gen Trade and Semiconductors at Core of Economic Pillar
At the heart of the new roadmap is a strong economic agenda. Both countries agreed to initiate a third review of the India–Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), and a substantial revision of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by the end of 2025.
Addressing the press meet with PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore. @LawrenceWongST https://t.co/z86B40nNHD
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2025
Significantly, Singapore pledged support for India’s fast-growing semiconductor ecosystem, building on the 2024 Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement.
The plan includes partnerships for resilient supply chains, R&D, direct investments, and skilling.
Other economic commitments include capital market linkages via NSE-IFSC-SGX GIFT Connect, joint development of green industrial parks, and business-to-business cooperation in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.
Digital Architecture and AI Cooperation Strengthened
In a clear signal to global digital realignment, the two countries agreed to expand the UPI–PayNow cross-border payments framework, involving 13 Indian banks, and explore pilot programs for interoperable digital payments, e-trade documents, and AI-driven public services.
A joint working group will explore collaboration in AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and fintech regulation, supported by ongoing dialogue between regulators in GIFT City and Singapore.
The two sides also committed to enhancing the TradeTrust framework, facilitating secure paperless trade and reducing transaction costs.
Connectivity and Green Shipping Corridor to Link Ports
In a major infrastructure announcement, India and Singapore will establish a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor between Singapore and Indian ports. This includes advancing clean maritime fuels, green port infrastructure, and port clearance digitisation.
Called on President @rashtrapatibhvn and I thanked her for her support for strong Singapore-India ties. We reaffirmed our shared commitment to deepen cooperation across a wide range of areas as our two countries commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations 🇸🇬🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/xxDorRi1u3
— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) September 4, 2025
Singaporean expertise will also support India’s civil aviation and airport development, including skills exchange and management consultancy.
A new Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiative was also agreed upon.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-2, developed by Singapore’s PSA International, was jointly inaugurated — expanding India’s container handling capacity.
Strategic Defence and Maritime Cooperation Deepens
On security, the two nations reaffirmed joint commitments to regional peace under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
They pledged to continue joint military exercises across land, sea, and air, deepen maritime domain awareness, and strengthen submarine rescue cooperation.
The Malacca Straits Patrol and mutual legal assistance treaty mechanisms will also be expanded.
In defence technology, the roadmap outlines joint work on AI, quantum computing, unmanned systems, and automation in naval and aerospace platforms.
Met with PM @narendramodi today. Together, we launched an ambitious Roadmap for the SG–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, charting cooperation in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, sustainability, and emerging areas such as digitalisation, AI and space. pic.twitter.com/KUZrJMQyYf
— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) September 4, 2025
Importantly, both sides reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, referencing global platforms such as the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee and FATF.
Skilling, Healthcare, and Civil Nuclear Areas Identified for New Investments
The Singapore–India collaboration now includes a National Centre of Excellence in Advanced Manufacturing in Chennai, focused on skilling and certification.
A joint working group will steer TVET cooperation, including state-level projects such as the Assam–Singapore Nursing Talent Programme.
In health, the two sides will deepen cooperation in digital health, maternal care, disease surveillance, and medical research. Civil nuclear collaboration and green hydrogen also feature in the sustainability agenda.
People-to-People, Heritage and Youth Innovation Programs Expand
Beyond geopolitics and trade, the roadmap commits to deepening cultural ties. Student exchanges, maritime heritage projects, youth hackathons, and think-tank collaboration are key elements.
The India–Singapore Hackathon will return later this year with a focus on digital innovation.
“Singapore is not just a partner in diplomacy. It is a partner in nation-building,” Modi said.
Both leaders agreed to institutionalise the India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable as an annual mechanism to review progress.
Geopolitical Context: A Strategic Hedge in Asia
The upgraded CSP comes at a time of shifting strategic equations in the Indo-Pacific. India’s simultaneous deepening of ties with Singapore, Japan, ASEAN, and the UAE signals a multidirectional alignment strategy -- one that hedges against overdependence on any single power bloc.