Pic Credit: https://x.com/DrSJaishankar
Singapore, Aug 20: India and Singapore are looking to give fresh momentum to their close partnership, with senior ministers from both countries discussing ways to expand cooperation in technology, manufacturing, digitalisation, sustainability and connectivity.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada ahead of the fourth India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR).
The meeting comes as both countries seek to turn their strong economic relationship into new opportunities for businesses, investors and people. Cooperation in advanced manufacturing and digital technology could help create new avenues for innovation, investment and skilled employment.
The ministerial roundtable is also expected to review progress made since the previous meeting in New Delhi and identify areas where the two sides can work more closely under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Singapore has become an important economic partner for India and a major source of foreign investment. In 2025-26, Singapore was India’s largest source of foreign direct investment, contributing around USD 19.8 billion.
Trade between the two countries has also grown significantly, reaching USD 36.1 billion in FY 2025-26, compared with USD 6.7 billion in FY 2004-05.
For businesses, stronger India-Singapore cooperation can mean wider investment opportunities, improved connectivity and greater access to emerging sectors. For workers and young professionals, deeper cooperation in technology and advanced manufacturing could open opportunities for skills development and new careers.
The discussions also reflect the changing economic landscape in the region, where digital technologies, clean growth and advanced manufacturing are becoming increasingly important.
As India and Singapore build on their longstanding relationship, the latest round of talks is expected to strengthen practical cooperation and create new pathways for investment, innovation, trade and sustainable growth.
The partnership is increasingly moving beyond traditional trade ties, with both countries looking to build a more future-focused relationship that can benefit businesses, workers and communities on both sides.