India and Singapore have drawn up a detailed roadmap to deepen their strategic partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday after bilateral talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in New Delhi.
Wong is on a three-day official visit to India.
Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi said the two nations had identified new areas of collaboration beyond traditional sectors, including advanced manufacturing, green shipping, civil nuclear energy, skilling, and urban water management.
“We have decided that, in order to accelerate mutual trade, the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and our Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN will be reviewed in a time-bound manner,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting innovation as a key pillar, PM Modi said both countries will enhance cooperation in AI, quantum computing, and other digital technologies. He also announced that Singapore will assist in establishing a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai to train manpower in advanced manufacturing.
The leaders welcomed new initiatives in space science, including an agreement in the space sector and the next edition of the India–Singapore Hackathon to be held later this year. Digital connectivity was also in focus, with PM Modi noting that 13 Indian banks have now joined the UPI–PayNow cross-border payment link.
On maritime cooperation, the two sides signed an agreement on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors, aimed at strengthening the green fuel supply chain and digital port clearance.
PM Modi also hailed the inauguration of the India Mumbai Container Terminal Phase II, developed by Singapore’s PSA International, as a boost to port capacity.
“Singapore is an important pillar of our Act East Policy. We will continue to work together with ASEAN to advance our vision of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region,” PM Modi said.
He also thanked Singapore for its support following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, stressing that both nations share “common concerns regarding terrorism” and the responsibility to fight it jointly.
This is PM Wong’s first visit to India since assuming office. He is accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and senior officials.
Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Wong and discussed ways to further strengthen ties. “Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India–Singapore ties,” Jaishankar posted on X.
On Tuesday, Wong also held discussions with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on cooperation in health and finance.