India and Singapore have set out an ambitious plan to take their partnership into the future, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled a detailed roadmap in New Delhi on Thursday. The announcement comes as the two nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring their shared commitment to deepening cooperation across both traditional and emerging sectors.
During a joint press conference at Hyderabad House, PM Modi stressed that the new framework goes beyond the usual areas of collaboration. It now brings advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy, and urban water management into focus. “This roadmap reflects the needs of a changing world,” Modi said, highlighting the alignment between India’s growth ambitions and Singapore’s expertise in innovation and sustainable practices.
He also reaffirmed Singapore’s role as a key partner in India’s Act East policy and its position as one of India’s largest trade partners in Southeast Asia. Digital connectivity was a central theme, with Modi pointing to the SouthPayNow initiative as a shining example of cooperation. Notably, 13 new Indian banks have now joined the cross-border payment platform, expanding seamless financial linkages between the two nations.
Welcoming Wong on his first visit to India as Prime Minister, Modi recalled how their ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his previous trip to Singapore. Over the past year, bilateral dialogue and investments have accelerated, with Singapore emerging as the largest source of FDI inflows into India within the region.
The leaders also noted progress in the semiconductor sector, with the Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership signed last year offering fresh opportunities for joint research and development. Singaporean companies have been actively participating in India’s flagship “Semicon India” conference. As part of this collaboration, a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling will be established in Chennai with Singapore’s support, furthering India’s efforts to equip its workforce for the future.
Earlier in the day, the two prime ministers jointly inaugurated the second phase of the JN Port PSA Mumbai Terminal (BMCT), a major infrastructure project symbolizing their growing economic engagement.
By laying out this comprehensive roadmap, India and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to shaping a modern, forward-looking partnership—anchored in trade, technology, and sustainable development—while marking six decades of enduring friendship.
