India and Singapore are set to take their partnership to new heights as they gear up for the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) on August 13. This high-level platform, established to deepen bilateral cooperation and explore new areas of collaboration, reflects the growing strategic importance both nations place on their relationship. The ISMR was first initiated in 2022, with subsequent meetings highlighting the evolving agenda and expanding involvement from key stakeholders on both sides.
The upcoming roundtable will focus on reviewing progress in six key areas: sustainability, digitalisation, skills development, healthcare and medicine, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity. These pillars form the backbone of a partnership that has flourished over six decades, now on track to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. The discussions will serve as a stepping stone to further enhance cooperation and address shared challenges posed by global economic and geopolitical shifts.
Singapore’s delegation will include high-profile ministers such as Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, and Digital Development Minister Josephine Teo. On India’s side, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead the discussions. This strong representation underscores the commitment both nations have toward fostering meaningful dialogue.
The ISMR isn’t just another diplomatic meeting—it reflects the deepening economic and strategic ties between India and Singapore. The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), signed in 2005, has driven bilateral trade to new heights, growing from S$20 billion to S$52.2 billion in 2023. Singapore stands as India’s top foreign investor, accounting for nearly a quarter of FDI equity inflows over the past two decades. Indian investments in Singapore have also soared, reaching S$31.6 billion in 2023.
Beyond trade, Singaporean companies are actively participating in India’s booming sectors, from manufacturing to sustainability initiatives. The two nations have also made strides in digital transformation, with the successful linkage of Singapore’s PayNow and India’s UPI enabling seamless cross-border payments. Additionally, collaboration in cybersecurity and semiconductors highlights the forward-looking nature of this partnership.
As both countries move toward enhancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the third ISMR serves as a testament to their shared vision for growth, innovation, and resilience. With initiatives like the Green and Digital Shipping Corridor and joint skills development programmes, India and Singapore are paving the way for a future built on mutual prosperity.