[SINGAPORE] The semiconductor industry is one area where India and Singapore will deepen cooperation, as both countries develop an “ambitious and detailed” road map for the next phase of relations, said Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (Sep 4).
“Singapore companies are keen to develop sustainable industrial parks in India to support India’s manufacturing ambitions,” he said in a joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“At the same time, we will deepen collaboration in semiconductors, not just in skills training, but also in R&D (research and development), supply chains and logistics. And these efforts will generate new growth opportunities for both our countries.”
This was an area of collaboration highlighted by both leaders, following last year’s agreement to elevate the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP).
Said PM Wong: “This morning, we had fruitful discussions on how we can take this CSP forward.”
Speaking in Hindi, PM Modi highlighted some such areas of cooperation: advanced manufacturing, green shipping, and maritime.
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“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,” said PM Modi in English.
Both leaders have agreed on “an ambitious and detailed road map to chart the next phase of our relationship”, added PM Wong.
“Wide and diverse” cooperation
PM Wong is on a three-day introductory trip to India to mark 60 years of bilateral relations. The relationship has grown in tandem with India’s economic progress, with cooperation now spanning a “wide and diverse range” of areas, he noted.
“In a world marked by great uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important because this is a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust,” said PM Wong.
“We can draw strength from our shared history and the friendship and trust between our peoples, and together, we can strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in our region.”
Besides manufacturing, another area of greater cooperation is skills development, with Singapore continuing to support India’s journey, he said.
For instance, Singapore has accepted India’s invitation to be a global partner for the National Centre of Excellence in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
This centre is the focus of one of five memorandums of understanding (MOUs) exchanged by both countries on Thursday. It will focus on advanced manufacturing in high-growth areas such as semiconductors, electronics, as well as aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul.
Singapore will contribute expertise in curriculum development, training standards, and skills certification and accreditation.
Greater cooperation
The other MOUs covered areas that were also highlighted by PM Wong, such as connectivity and frontier technologies.
In air and sea connectivity, one agreement establishes a framework for collaboration in civil aviation training and R&D, while another formalises plans to establish a green and digital shipping corridor.
In digital connectivity, a separate MOU formalises a partnership between the nations’ central banks to develop more efficient digital financial channels. The aim is to support and streamline cross-border financial and real economy flows.
As for frontier technologies, an MOU will deepen cooperation in the space industry. PM Wong noted that to date, more than 20 Singapore-made satellites have been launched by India.
