India and Singapore signed many important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday (September 05), aimed at boosting cooperation in key sectors including digital technology, semiconductors, healthcare, and skills development.
These agreements were formalised after a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a visit to Singapore, and his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong.
Key agreements between India and Singapore
Digital technologies
The first MoU focuses on collaboration in digital technologies and was signed between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
This agreement is designed to enhance cooperation in areas like Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), cyber security, 5G, and cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing, supercomputing, and artificial intelligence.
Semiconductors
In the semiconductor sector, India and Singapore have agreed to collaborate through a MoU signed by India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry.
This partnership will help establish a semiconductor cluster, promote talent development in semiconductor design and production, and encourage Singaporean investments in India. Singapore is a significant player in the global semiconductor supply chain, producing around 10% of the world’s chips and roughly 20% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Education
Another MoU, for education and skills development, was signed by India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Singapore’s Ministry of Education. This agreement will focus on advancing technical and vocational education and training.
Health
The final MoU between India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Singapore’s Ministry of Health focused on cooperation in the health and pharmaceutical fields. This MoU aims to boost joint research and innovation, particularly in areas of shared interest, and to foster collaboration in human resource development for healthcare.
PM Modi’s visit to Singapore
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Singapore’s Parliament House and engaged in discussions with Lawrence Wong. In his address, Modi referred to Singapore as more than just a partner, calling it an inspiration for all developing nations.
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, posted on X, “A new chapter in – ties: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established. PM @narendramodi and PM @LawrenceWongST held a productive meeting in Singapore today.”
He added, “The leaders agreed to elevate the ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They reviewed various aspects of the bilateral relationship, covering areas like advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, healthcare, skills development, and sustainability.”
On Wednesday, Wong welcomed Modi to a private dinner at the Istana, Singapore’s presidential palace. Video released by the Singaporean leader’s office showed the two leaders embracing and chatting before the meal, accompanied by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
“Delighted to have the chance to catch up over a meal at the Istana, before the official meetings tomorrow,” Wong shared on X. Modi, in a separate post, described their meeting as having an “excellent discussion on a wide range of issues,” adding, “India cherishes the friendship with Singapore.”
(With inputs from agencies)
