Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will begin a three-day official visit to India on September 2, sources told ANI. The trip comes as both countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties. Moreover, the visit is expected to bring several agreements across key sectors.
Talks with PM Modi and New Agreements
During his stay, Wong will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In addition, both leaders will witness the signing of MoUs in areas such as skill development, finance, digital cooperation, civil aviation, space, and shipping.
Furthermore, sources said the two nations may release a joint statement. This statement will likely present a roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Building on Recent Engagements
This visit follows PM Modi’s trip to Singapore in September 2024. At that time, both leaders reviewed cooperation in security, technology, education, cultural ties, and people-to-people exchanges.
Earlier this month, New Delhi hosted the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable. There, ministers reviewed progress under six pillars: advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalisation, healthcare, skill development, and sustainability. They also identified new initiatives to deepen cooperation.
Boosting Trade and Investments
The inauguration of the second phase of PSA’s (Port of Singapore Authority) project in Navi Mumbai is also expected during Wong’s visit. Significantly, Singapore remains India’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. It is also the leading source of FDI, external borrowings, and foreign portfolio investments.
Between 2014 and 2024, Singapore invested about 159 billion US dollars in India. By the end of 2025, this figure is expected to rise to 175 billion dollars. In fact, investments have accelerated sharply in recent years.
Moreover, both countries are now exploring new areas, including the export of green energy from India through Singapore.
Expanding Technology Cooperation
At the same time, India and Singapore are increasing cooperation in data storage, small modular reactors, aircraft repairs, quantum technology, and space research. In particular, sources said the two sides may discuss building a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub in Bengaluru with Singapore’s support.
ISRO has also launched several Singaporean satellites over the years. These include the country’s first home-built microsatellite in 2011, two more in 2014, six in 2015, and nine in 2023.
Skill Development Projects
In parallel, both nations are strengthening collaboration in skill development. They have already set up centres in Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Udaipur, Guwahati, Bhubaneswar, and Hyderabad. Meanwhile, two more centres are being developed in Bhopal and Gandhinagar.
During PM Modi’s 2024 visit, both sides signed an MoU on education and skill development. This further expanded training opportunities across sectors.
Strengthening Digital Finance Links
In the field of fintech, India and Singapore have achieved major milestones. For instance, RuPay cards are now accepted in Singapore. Additionally, the UPI-PayNow linkage has created a direct cross-border payment system.
Notably, Singapore is the first country where India launched this person-to-person payment facility.
Deepening Defence Partnership
Defence cooperation also remains strong. Both countries signed the Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2003 and renewed it in 2015 under the Enhanced Agreement for Defence Cooperation.
Moreover, their armed forces conduct regular joint drills. The Army holds Exercise Agni Warrior, the Navy runs Exercise SIMBEX, and the Air Force carries out Joint Military Training.
Recently, in July–August 2025, the Navy completed the 32nd edition of SIMBEX in Singapore. Earlier this month, the armies concluded the fourth edition of Exercise Bold Kurukshetra.