S'pore-India partnership even more important in turbulent world, rooted in shared values: PM Wong

PM Wong and Modi also hugged again.

September 04, 2025, 06:25 PM

The relationship between India and Singapore is especially important in today's uncertain and turbulent world, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said on Sep. 4 on the final leg of his ongoing India visit.

Speaking at a joint press conference with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, he hailed the past 60 years of bilateral cooperation between both countries, affirming that the partnership is "rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust".

"Our bilateral relationship has grown in tandem," he said, noting that Singapore is now the largest foreign investor in India, accounting for "around a quarter of India's foreign direct investment inflows".

"We can draw strength from our shared history and the friendship and trust between our people...strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in our region and beyond."

Further cooperation

PM Wong also laid out four areas that will soon see enhanced cooperation between both countries, each contributing to a strengthened Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This was also mentioned during a Hindustan Times interview on Sep. 3.

Firstly, to support India's skills development, Singapore will be named a global partner for India's National Centre of Excellence in Chennai, which focuses on advanced manufacturing.

Both countries will also collaborate to set up state level skill centres in sectors like aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and semiconductors, of which Singapore is a major global producer.

Second, Singapore will help to develop industrial parks in India, PM Wong said, as part of a bigger goal to expand India's manufacturing and industrial development.

Skills training, as well as research and development (R&D) supply chains and logistics will also be increased in the semiconductor industry.

Third, digital connectivity across both countries will be strengthened, he said, including in areas like aviation, maritime and financial systems.

Both prime ministers virtually launched phase two of the Port of Singapore Authority's (PSA) container terminal in Mumbai earlier today (Sep. 4), which is set to become India's largest standalone container terminal.

Finally, collaboration in the aerospace industry in India, which has to date launched more than 20 Singapore-made satellites, will be further enhanced.

Bonding ties

"People to people ties remain the bedrock of our relationship," PM Wong affirmed at the end of his speech.

PM Wong said that he and Modi had agreed on "an ambitious and detailed roadmap to chat the next phase of our relationship in a world marked by great uncertainty and turbulence."

"I look forward to working hand in hand with Prime Minister Modi to bring the Singapore-India partnership to even greater heights."

Modi reciprocated the sentiment in his speech, stating, "Excellency, our relations go far beyond diplomacy. This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interest and driven by a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity. "