The leaders celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties and announced new initiatives in trade, technology, green growth, and regional security.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a press statement on September 4, 2025, during the joint media briefing with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong of Singapore, who is on his first official visit to India since assuming office.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Prime Minister Wong, noting the special significance of the visit as India and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations this year. He recalled that during his visit to Singapore last year, the two nations elevated their partnership to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has since gained momentum and depth.
Highlighting bilateral ties, Prime Minister Modi said Singapore is India’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia and a major source of investment. Defence ties, he added, continue to grow, alongside vibrant people-to-people relations.
The two leaders charted a detailed roadmap for the future of cooperation, expanding beyond traditional sectors. New areas of focus will include advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy, and urban water management. A time-bound review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and ASEAN Free Trade Agreement was also announced to further boost trade.
Prime Minister Modi underlined the important role of Indian states in strengthening bilateral ties, pointing to recent visits by Chief Ministers and growing links such as Gujarat’s GIFT City.
The Prime Minister also highlighted progress in technology cooperation, including the Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership, digital innovation in AI and quantum technologies, and collaboration in the space sector. The upcoming India-Singapore Hackathon will further connect young talent from both nations. The UPI-PayNow digital payments link has expanded, now connecting 13 new Indian banks.
In infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi noted the inauguration of Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-2, developed by Singapore’s PSA International, which will enhance India’s container handling capacity. A new agreement on Green and Digital Shipping Corridors will also strengthen maritime collaboration.
On regional and global issues, he said Singapore remains a vital pillar of India’s Act East Policy and an important partner in advancing ASEAN cooperation and Indo-Pacific stability. He emphasized shared concerns on terrorism, thanking Prime Minister Wong for Singapore’s support following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Closing his remarks, Prime Minister Modi described India-Singapore relations as “a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity.”
Source: PMO
