India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable Boosts Bilateral Ties

The second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held in Singapore emphasized enhancing cooperation in digitalisation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity. The event also discussed celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations and successful MoUs on healthcare, education, and technology.

The second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, held on Monday in Singapore, focused on strengthening cooperation in emerging and futuristic sectors. Leaders discussed six key pillars identified under the Roundtable, including digitalisation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity, according to a Ministry of Finance post on X.

The meeting also covered the 60th Anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations and regional and global cooperation, spotlighting ASEAN and G20 developments. The initial Roundtable led to significant MoUs in healthcare, education, skill development, digital cooperation, and the semiconductor ecosystem.

The Indian delegation included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Singapore's delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and included ministers for Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs, Law, Manpower, Transport, and Digital Development.

During their stay, Indian ministers engaged with Singaporean counterparts and leadership. The India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, inaugurated in New Delhi in September 2022, aims to set a new agenda for bilateral relations and identify avenues to elevate their Strategic Partnership.

Singapore remains a key FDI source for India, contributing USD 11.77 billion in inflows for 2023-24, with cumulative FDI from 2000 to 2024 reaching USD 159.94 billion. In bilateral trade, Singapore was India's sixth-largest partner in 2023-24, accounting for USD 35.61 billion, nearly 29% of India's total trade with ASEAN.

(With inputs from agencies.)