During his official visit to India, which marks the 60th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic ties, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam highlighted the close partnership between India and Singapore. He referred to the cooperation as a “natural partnership” in which both nations find common ground to work together in a variety of sectors of shared interest, such as defense, trade, and technology.
Shanmugaratnam considered the historical connections at a formal welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, pointing out that India was one of the first nations to acknowledge Singapore’s independence in 1965. In addition to mentioning current projects in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and sustainability, he emphasized Singapore’s position as India’s biggest investor. To improve safe financial data sharing, the two countries are also looking into creating a data corridor between Singapore and GIFT City.
The purpose of the trip is to fortify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was enhanced during Prime Minister Modi’s September 2024 visit to Singapore. Expanding collaboration in areas like industrial automation, vaccine production, and renewable energy—especially in India’s eastern regions like Odisha—is anticipated to be the main topic of discussion. Both presidents “see eye to eye” on a number of subjects, according to Shanmugaratnam, who voiced optimism for future partnerships.
