Earlier this month, His Excellency Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore, made his first state visit to India. His spouse, Mrs. Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam, accompanied him and other senior ministry members.
Singapore is considered India’s gateway to the East.
It is also one of the country’s most significant foreign direct investment (FDI) sources. From April 2000 to March 2024, Singapore’s cumulative FDI contribution to India amounted to approximately USD 159.94 billion. In FY24, Singapore accounted for 3.2% of India’s overall trade. On the other hand, India is Singapore’s 12th largest trade partner, with a 2.3% share in the country’s overall trade volume.
A New Chapter in India-Singapore Bilateral Relations
President Tharman highlighted the long-standing diplomatic relations between India and Singapore during his visit.
“We will never forget that India was among the first few countries to recognize Singapore’s independence in 1965. And since then, our relationship has grown by bounds,” he said.
Welcoming the Singapore President and his delegation to India, Honourable President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, emphasized that with a shared history, a long tradition of friendship based on trust and mutual respect, and extensive cooperation across a wide range of areas, India-Singapore cooperation has gained further momentum in recent years.
2025 marks a significant milestone in the history of India-Singapore relations, as it commemorates the 60th anniversary of the diplomatic ties that began in 1965. President Murmu and President Tharman launched a logo to celebrate this momentous occasion, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two nations.
The Evolution of Singapore-India Bilateral Relations
The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which came into effect in 2005, serves as a cornerstone for economic engagement between the two nations. Over the last 20 years, the agreement has significantly boosted bilateral trade between the two countries.
When the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, visited Singapore in September 2024, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). The goal of the CSP is to provide a broader framework for diplomatic relations and economic activities between the two countries.
This move reflects the growing alignment of the two countries’ fiscal, technological, and geopolitical interests. It also underscores Singapore’s confidence in India’s rising economic and technological stature, promising mutual benefits and a bright future for both nations.
Following the execution of the CECA, Singapore is exploring new opportunities in India in sectors such as logistics, connectivity, petrochemicals, aerospace MRO (maintenance, repair, and operations), urban mobility, and renewable energy. These sectors hold immense potential for growth and development, sparking an exciting future filled with opportunities for India-Singapore relations.
Sectoral Focus of Singapore-India Ties
Logistics
Connectivity
Petrochemicals
Aerospace MRO
Urban mobility
Renewable energy
We are confident that both India and Singapore will benefit from these deepening ties. With its focus on sustainability and advanced technology, the collaboration offers considerable growth opportunities, giving Indian companies access to state-of-the-art practices, new markets, and a sustainable growth trajectory in the years to come.
As President Tharman aptly put it, “We are natural partners. Singapore is invested in India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047.”
