Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s first visit to India marks an important milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. The visit symbolized the deepening of partnership between India and Singapore as they explore new avenues for cooperation in emerging areas.
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, during his first official visit to India, noted the deepening ties between the two countries, which have entered a new phase of cooperation.
President Thurman’s five-day state visit from 14 to 18 January 2025 also highlighted Singapore’s interest in expanding cooperation in emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductor development and next-generation industrial parks. .
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), discussions during the visit focused on strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
The India-Singapore Strategic Partnership (SP), established in 2015, was aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. In September 2024, the relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), reflecting a commitment to deeper cooperation.
Building on decades of strong bilateral relations, CSP focuses on key areas such as trade, defence, technology and people-to-people connections. As one of India’s largest trading and investment partners, Singapore plays an important role in driving India’s economic growth.
President Thurman’s 2025 visit highlighted the opportunities for innovation-driven industrial parks and strengthened collaboration in the digital realm, demonstrating the partnership’s alignment with emerging global trends. Additionally, the CSP also strengthens common goals in regional stability, in line with India’s Act East policy and Singapore’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region.
Odisha partners with Singaporean company to boost innovation
On January 17, 2025, the Odisha government signed eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Singapore-based companies, including skills development, semiconductors, sustainable energy, green hydrogen, industrial park development, insurance technology, and urban planning. .
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The MoU was formally signed in the presence of Singapore’s President Tharman and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Majhi expressed optimism that the collaboration would attract global investments and accelerate Odisha’s transformation into a technology, education and renewable energy hub.
Important agreements for skills development and technological advancement
In an effort to strengthen technical education and skills, the Department of Skills Development and Technical Education (SD&TE) has partnered with ITE Education Services (ITEES), a subsidiary of the Singapore Institute of Technology Education. The partnership expands the World Skills Center (WSC) in Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar and establishes a global hub for IT and IT-enabled services in emerging areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, blockchain, IoT, and data science. It is intended to. The partnership will also introduce semiconductor-related training programs and establish Regional Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the state, supported by strong industry engagement. The contract is valid for 5 years.
Driving innovation in sustainable energy
A tripartite agreement between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, GRIDCO Limited, and IIT Bhubaneswar was signed to promote research and development (R&D) in sustainable energy technologies. The initiative aims to promote green energy solutions and enhance Odisha’s renewable energy capacity.
Promoting green hydrogen and industrial development
Sembcorp Industries, a Singapore-based energy and urban development company, has signed two non-binding memoranda of understanding with the Odisha government. One of the agreements between Sembcorp Green Hydrogen India Private Limited (SGHIPL) and Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation Limited (Ipicol) focuses on exploring green hydrogen production facilities with a production capacity of 720,000 tonnes per annum. It is expected that more than 2,000 jobs will be created during its operational phase. . Another MoU between Sembcorp Development Ltd. and Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) is aimed at assessing the possibility of setting up industrial parks in the state.
Building capacity in insurance technology and urban planning
The Electronics & IT (E&IT) department of the Odisha government has signed an agreement with Singapore’s Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) to set up a Global Capability Center (GCC) for the insurtech industry. . Additionally, Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pte Ltd has signed two separate memoranda of understanding with IDCO and Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). These agreements focus on the strategic positioning of the Odisha Petrochemical and Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR) and the creation of a new urban development plan near the state capital and are planned for implementation next year.
Strengthening bilateral relations
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President Thurman’s visit highlights Singapore’s integral role in India’s Act East policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Mr. Tharman and Indian President Draupadi Murmu highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and Singapore, built on historical ties and mutual respect. Key areas of long-term cooperation include advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, healthcare and connectivity.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the two leaders unveiled a specially designed logo symbolizing the enduring friendship and shared values between the two countries.
Opportunities in semiconductors
India and Singapore are paving the way for enhanced cooperation in key areas. During the visit, President Thurman highlighted plans to establish a “renewable energy corridor” and deepen cooperation in emerging technologies and industries.
He also highlighted the potential of a “data corridor” linking Gujarat’s GIFT City with Singapore. This initiative reflects broader efforts to foster secure and reliable data exchange between financial institutions in the respective regions and strengthen digital and financial sector collaboration.
Expand your collaboration horizons
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held discussions with President Tharman to review and strengthen the CSP. The two leaders explored new areas of cooperation, building on the momentum of the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in 2024.
Additionally, President Tharuman met with several Indian ministers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnau. Discussions covered advances in transport, healthcare, commerce and digital connectivity, and highlighted the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.
future vision
As India and Singapore commemorate 60 years of diplomatic relations, this diplomatic meeting reinforces the two countries’ shared vision for progress, sustainability and innovation. Today, with a focus on semiconductors, advanced industries, research and development, and upskilling, the partnership continues to evolve and adapt to dynamic global conditions.
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