India and Singapore Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On September 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore met at the Parliament House in Singapore. During their meeting, they decided to elevate their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Key Agreements and Discussions
The two leaders, along with their delegations, exchanged four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of digital technology, semiconductors, skill development, and healthcare. Prime Minister Modi invited PM Wong to visit India, which he accepted.
Both leaders reviewed the progress of India-Singapore relations and emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment. Singapore has invested around USD 160 billion in the Indian economy, making it a leading economic partner for India.
Areas of Cooperation
The leaders discussed cooperation in various fields, including defense, security, maritime domain awareness, education, AI, Fintech, and science and technology. They also called for strengthening connectivity and accelerating green corridor projects.
They reviewed the outcomes of the 2nd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held in August 2024, focusing on advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalization, healthcare, skills development, and sustainability.
Cultural and Historical Ties
Prime Minister Modi announced the opening of India’s first Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre in Singapore. He also highlighted the respectful treatment of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose in Singapore and the strong foundation of the 3.5 lakh people of Indian origin living there.
Future Prospects
The leaders discussed celebrating the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2025 and emphasized the need for an action plan to mark the occasion. They also agreed to continue working together for regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his happiness at the elevation of ties and noted the shared belief in democratic values that connect the two nations. He highlighted the doubling of trade and the launch of 17 Singaporean satellites from India in the last decade.
Doubts Revealed
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership -: This means that India and Singapore have decided to work very closely together in many important areas like trade, technology, and healthcare to help each other grow and be stronger friends.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: He is the leader of India, like the head of the country, who makes important decisions and represents India in other countries.
Singapore -: Singapore is a small but very rich and advanced country in Southeast Asia, known for its clean streets and tall buildings.
MoUs -: MoUs stand for Memorandums of Understanding, which are like agreements or promises between countries to work together on certain projects or areas.
digital technology -: This includes things like computers, the internet, and smartphones, which help people and businesses do things faster and easier.
semiconductors -: These are tiny parts used in electronic devices like computers and phones to make them work.
skill development -: This means teaching people new skills or improving their existing skills so they can get better jobs or do their work more efficiently.
healthcare -: This is about hospitals, doctors, and medicines that help people stay healthy or get better when they are sick.
Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre -: This is a place named after a famous Tamil poet and philosopher, Thiruvalluvar, where people can learn about Indian culture and history.
cultural and historical ties -: This means the shared traditions, customs, and history that connect India and Singapore, making their relationship stronger.
