Singapore President Discusses Renewable Energy And Data Corridors In First India Visit; Focus On Defence, Semiconductors

India and Singapore are exploring avenues to establish a "corridor for renewable energy" and enhance collaboration in critical sectors such as advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said during his maiden visit to India as president.

Highlighting the strengthening of bilateral ties, Shanmugaratnam also noted the potential creation of a "data corridor" between Gujarat’s GIFT City and Singapore, enabling financial institutions to exchange data on a “safe and trusted basis.”

During his five-day visit, Shanmugaratnam held separate discussions with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the leaders extensively reviewed the bilateral relationship, discussing ways to strengthen the "comprehensive strategic partnership" and exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Emphasising the forward momentum in relations, Shanmugaratnam remarked that Singapore and India are now on a ‘new trajectory’ of cooperation, referring to the upgraded partnership established during PM Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024.

The Singaporean leader stressed, “We are exploring new initiatives going beyond the existing active relationship that we have.” These include cooperation in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and new "generation and net zero" industrial parks, alongside a strong focus on skilling for emerging industries.

The Singapore president underlined the mutual priority of sustainability, noting, “We are working actively to look at whether a corridor for renewable energy between India and Singapore can be achieved.”

On the digital front, Shanmugaratnam highlighted the efforts to establish a "data corridor" to enhance secure digital cooperation between financial institutions in both countries. This initiative aligns with broader plans for increased collaboration in the digital and financial sectors.

Singapore remains a significant economic partner for India, being the largest foreign investor in the country for many years. “Our business relationships are thriving. In fact, Singapore has been the largest investor in India for many years now. Our defence relationship is strong,” Shanmugaratnam said.

He also expressed optimism about India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047, adding, “Singapore has invested in India’s ambition.”

Reflecting on the historical depth of the relationship, Shanmugaratnam stated, "We will never forget that India was one of the first few countries to recognize Singapore's independence in 1965.

Since then, our relationship has grown by bounds." He described the partnership as "natural" despite the contrasting scales of the two nations, driven by mutual interests across multiple domains.

Shanmugaratnam’s visit also marked the commencement of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

In a joint ceremony, President Murmu and Shanmugaratnam unveiled a commemorative logo to honor the "robust and multi-faceted" partnership. The MEA described Singapore as a "key pillar" of India’s "Act East" policy and Indo-Pacific vision.

The visit follows a year of significant developments in bilateral relations, including PM Modi’s 2024 visit to Singapore, which further cemented the comprehensive strategic partnership. The MEA underscored that this visit reflects the deepening ties across various sectors, including sustainability, digital innovation, and economic cooperation.

The Singaporean president engaged with several Indian ministers, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, to discuss advancements in transport, health, commerce, and digital connectivity.