India and Singapore are gearing up for a significant diplomatic event as the 3rd India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) is set to take place in New Delhi on August 13, 2025. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced the details on Tuesday, highlighting the participation of key ministers from both nations. This roundtable is a pivotal platform for shaping the future of cooperation between the two countries.
Leading the Indian delegation are Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways, IT, and I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. On the Singaporean side, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, National Security Minister K. Shanmugam, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, Digital Development Minister Josephine Teo, Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, and Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow will represent their country.
The ISMR was conceptualized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a unique mechanism to drive bilateral collaboration. Since its inception in 2022, the forum has played a crucial role in strengthening ties. The inaugural meeting was held in New Delhi in September 2022, followed by the second round in Singapore in August 2024. This upcoming meeting aims to explore new avenues to expand the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore.
The MEA emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that the roundtable will focus on deepening bilateral relations across various sectors. The close relationship was further underscored when External Affairs Minister Jaishankar extended his congratulations to Singapore on its 60th National Day on August 9. He tweeted, ‘Cherish our enduring friendship and multifaceted cooperation,’ reflecting the strong bond between the two nations.
Last month, Jaishankar’s visit to Singapore further solidified these ties. On July 13, he met with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and held discussions with Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. These high-level interactions reviewed progress on key initiatives, including investments, industrial parks, semiconductors, and infrastructure. Discussions also covered ASEAN, Indo-Pacific developments, and global affairs.
During his visit, Jaishankar also met with Teo Chee Hean, Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings, to explore investment opportunities in India. These engagements highlight the ongoing commitment to enhancing economic and strategic cooperation.
The frequent high-level exchanges between India and Singapore demonstrate the priority both nations place on their relationship. As the 3rd ISMR approaches, anticipation builds for the new milestones it will achieve in fostering collaboration between these two dynamic economies.