New Delhi: In a landmark move to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, India and Singapore held the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) in New Delhi on August 13, 2025. The high-level dialogue, a cornerstone of bilateral cooperation, focused on advancing collaboration across six key pillars: Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalization, Healthcare and Medicine, Skills Development, and Sustainability. As the two nations approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, the ISMR underscores their shared commitment to fostering innovation, economic growth, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.
The ISMR, envisioned by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, has emerged as a unique mechanism for setting a forward-looking agenda for India-Singapore relations. The inaugural meeting was held in New Delhi in September 2022, followed by the second in Singapore in August 2024. This year’s roundtable, hosted amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape, reviewed progress in bilateral initiatives and finalized approximately 10 agreements, set to be unveiled during an upcoming meeting between the prime ministers of both nations next month.
High-Level Engagement and Strategic Discussions
The Indian delegation was led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, joined by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw. Representing Singapore were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam, Foreign Minister Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo, Manpower Minister Dr. Tan See Leng, and Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow.
The ministers conducted an in-depth review of cooperation under the six ISMR pillars, identifying new initiatives to deepen ties. Discussions emphasized the pivotal role of the private sector, with the 3rd India-Singapore Business Roundtable (ISBR) report presented to the ministers, highlighting industry contributions to bilateral growth. In a social media post, Dr. Jaishankar praised the Singaporean delegation’s commitment to the partnership, stating, “Synergy between government and industry is key to unlocking the next phase of India-Singapore ties.”
The roundtable culminated in the finalization of around 10 agreements covering the six pillars, ranging from technology transfers to joint projects in digitalization and sustainability. These pacts, expected to be formalized during the upcoming prime ministerial summit, signal a robust roadmap for future collaboration.
Singapore’s Strategic Investments in India
Beyond the roundtable, the Singaporean delegation engaged in significant economic activities. On August 12, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong visited Mumbai to assess investments by Singaporean firms, reinforcing confidence in India’s economic trajectory. Accompanied by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gan toured the Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal (PSA Mumbai) Phase 2, a project by PSA aimed at enhancing India’s maritime trade and connectivity. The visit highlighted the terminal’s role in strengthening India’s logistics infrastructure, a key focus of the ISMR’s connectivity pillar.
Gan also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Mapletree Investments and the Maharashtra government, committing ₹3,000 crores in foreign direct investments for industrial parks, logistics parks, and data centers in the state. Additionally, he inaugurated a $453 million data center in Navi Mumbai by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), aligning with the ISMR’s digitalization goals. These investments underscore Singapore’s strategic role as one of India’s largest foreign investors and a gateway to ASEAN markets.
The Singaporean ministers also called on President Droupadi Murmu, reinforcing the high-level political support for the partnership. This engagement reflects the deep trust and mutual respect underpinning India-Singapore relations.
A Rich History of Bilateral Ties
India and Singapore share a storied relationship that began with India’s recognition of Singapore’s independence in 1965. The signing of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in 2005 marked a turning point, followed by the elevation to a Strategic Partnership in 2015 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2024 during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore. As 2025 marks 60 years of diplomatic relations, the ISMR serves as a platform to celebrate this milestone and set ambitious goals for the future.
Economically, Singapore is India’s largest trade partner within ASEAN and sixth globally, with bilateral trade accounting for 3.2% of India’s total trade in 2023–24. The digital and fintech sectors have seen significant advancements, including the UPI–PayNow cross-border payment system and the acceptance of RuPay cards in Singapore, fostering seamless financial transactions.
Defense cooperation remains robust, with joint exercises like Agni Warrior (Army) and SIMBEX (Navy) enhancing interoperability. Multilateral engagements further strengthen ties, with Singapore’s participation in the International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuel Alliance. The Indian diaspora, comprising 9% of Singapore’s population, and the recognition of Tamil as an official language highlight the strong cultural and people-to-people connections.
Strategic Significance in the Indo-Pacific
Singapore plays a critical role in India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and Indo-Pacific strategy, serving as a bridge to ASEAN for trade, connectivity, security, and counter-terrorism efforts. The partnership proved resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Singapore providing medical aid and oxygen to India, while India reciprocated with vaccines under the “Vaccine Maitri Initiative.” Access to Singapore’s Changi Naval Base further strengthens India’s naval presence, helping counterbalance China’s influence in the region.
The ISMR’s focus on the six pillars aligns with both nations’ priorities:
- Advanced Manufacturing: Promoting innovation and technology transfer to drive industrial growth.
- Connectivity: Enhancing physical, digital, and maritime linkages, as seen in PSA Mumbai’s expansion.
- Digitalization: Advancing fintech, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure through initiatives like UPI-PayNow.
- Healthcare and Medicine: Strengthening pharmaceutical trade and healthcare innovation, building on pandemic-era cooperation.
- Skills Development: Fostering workforce readiness through joint training and technology-driven education.
- Sustainability: Collaborating on renewable energy, green finance, and climate resilience to address global challenges.
These pillars reflect a shared vision for sustainable development and economic resilience, positioning India and Singapore as leaders in the Indo-Pacific.
Looking Ahead: A Partnership for the Future
The 3rd ISMR not only reviewed past achievements but also set the stage for transformative collaboration. The finalized agreements, expected to be announced next month, promise to deepen ties in trade, investment, and technology. Singapore’s investments in India, from data centers to maritime infrastructure, signal a long-term commitment to India’s growth story.
As a key partner in India’s Act East Policy, Singapore continues to play a pivotal role in regional integration. The ISMR’s unique format, combining government and industry inputs, ensures that bilateral cooperation remains dynamic and responsive to global challenges. With strong ties in defense, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges, the India-Singapore partnership is poised to shape the Indo-Pacific’s future.
As the two nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, the 3rd ISMR highlights their shared ambition to build a resilient, innovative, and inclusive partnership. From digital breakthroughs to sustainable development, India and Singapore are writing a new chapter in their storied relationship, one that promises mutual prosperity and regional stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR)?
The ISMR is a high-level bilateral platform established in 2022 to advance cooperation between India and Singapore in key sectors. Envisioned by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it focuses on six pillars: Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalization, Healthcare and Medicine, Skills Development, and Sustainability. The third ISMR was held in New Delhi on August 13, 2025.
2. Who participated in the 3rd ISMR held in 2025?
The Indian delegation included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Singapore’s team was led by Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong, alongside ministers K. Shanmugam, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Josephine Teo, Dr. Tan See Leng, and Jeffrey Siow.
3. What were the key outcomes of the 3rd ISMR?
The ministers reviewed progress under the six ISMR pillars, finalized approximately 10 agreements to be unveiled during an upcoming prime ministerial meeting, and emphasized private sector collaboration through the India-Singapore Business Roundtable (ISBR). Singaporean investments in India, including a $453 million data center and ₹3,000 crore MoU for industrial parks, were also highlighted.
4. How does the ISMR strengthen India-Singapore relations?
The ISMR reinforces the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, upgraded in 2024, by fostering cooperation in trade, defense, digitalization, and sustainability. It supports India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific goals, with Singapore serving as a key ASEAN partner. The platform also facilitates people-to-people ties and counters regional challenges, such as China’s influence.
5. Why is Singapore a significant partner for India?
Singapore is India’s largest ASEAN trade partner and sixth globally, with strong ties in defense (e.g., Agni Warrior, SIMBEX exercises), digitalization (e.g., UPI–PayNow), and investments. The Indian diaspora forms 9% of Singapore’s population, and Tamil is an official language. Singapore’s role in India’s Act East Policy and access to Changi Naval Base bolsters regional stability.
