Trade Climate Cooperation
New Delhi
India and Singapore are deepening their partnership to address global uncertainties, focusing on economic and strategic cooperation. Amid fragile supply chains, shifting trade policies, and climate challenges, Singapore is becoming central to India’s foreign economic policy.
The Third India–Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), being held in New Delhi, brings together ministers S. Jaishankar, Nirmala Sitharaman, Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Piyush Goyal with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan. The forum, launched in 2022, aims to expand cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Key areas of collaboration include semiconductors, green infrastructure, digital integration, advanced manufacturing, healthcare innovation, and maritime connectivity. The Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership highlights joint efforts to create a secure alternative to existing chip-making hubs.
Singapore’s balanced foreign policy allows India access to ASEAN and Indo-Pacific markets without entering major power rivalries. This complements India’s rebalancing strategy and boosts its influence in global supply chains.
Green transition is another focus, with plans for joint work on solar energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable urban projects. The Green Digital Shipping Corridor, launched in 2025, aims to decarbonise ports and shipping while improving trade route efficiency.
People-centric initiatives in healthcare, skill training, and education are building a cross-border talent pool. Digital integration, connecting India’s growing digital economy with Singapore’s fintech infrastructure, will enhance secure cross-border data and payment flows.
Overall, the partnership reflects how middle powers can jointly strengthen regional stability, ensure open sea lanes, build sustainable infrastructure, and provide reliable supply chains — advancing India’s Act East Policy through cooperation rather than conflict.
