India and Singapore Review Eight-Pillar Strategic Partnership at 19th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi

India and Singapore reviewed progress under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during the 19th round of Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi, with discussions covering economic cooperation, digitalisation, skills, sustainability, connectivity, healthcare, people-to-people ties and defence.

The talks were co-chaired by Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Policy), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore. Both sides assessed implementation of initiatives under the CSP roadmap and discussed projects being taken forward through the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR).

Economic and Technology Cooperation

Economic ties remain central to the relationship, with Singapore continuing to be one of India’s most important investment and trading partners in Southeast Asia. The two countries are expanding cooperation in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, digital finance, artificial intelligence, cyber security and start-up partnerships.

The CSP framework also includes plans to strengthen skills development, particularly in advanced manufacturing, aviation maintenance and vocational training.

Digitalisation and Connectivity

India and Singapore have already established the UPI-PayNow cross-border payment linkage, and both sides are looking to deepen cooperation in fintech, digital public infrastructure and secure digital trade.

Connectivity is another major priority. The two countries are developing cooperation in ports, aviation and maritime logistics, including the proposed Green and Digital Shipping Corridor between Singapore and Indian ports.

Defence and Maritime Security

Defence and security cooperation is also expanding under the CSP. India and Singapore maintain long-standing military exercises and institutional defence dialogues, while newer areas include artificial intelligence, automation, unmanned systems, maritime domain awareness and emerging technologies.

Closer coordination between maritime information-fusion centres and continued cooperation in submarine rescue and regional maritime security are also part of the partnership.

Healthcare, Sustainability and People-to-People Links

The consultations reviewed cooperation in healthcare, digital health, medical research and skill development, along with sustainability initiatives involving green hydrogen, renewable energy, water management and cleaner shipping and aviation fuels.

Both governments also emphasised cultural exchanges, education and stronger people-to-people ties.

ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific

India and Singapore exchanged views on regional and global developments and reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation through ASEAN and other multilateral forums. Singapore remains an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and wider Indo-Pacific engagement.

India and Singapore elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, while a detailed roadmap for cooperation was adopted in 2025. The latest consultations indicate that the relationship is now moving increasingly towards implementation of specific economic, technological, connectivity and security projects rather than remaining limited to high-level diplomatic declarations.

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