New Delhi: Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will be on a state visit to India from January 15. His visit will mark a major milestone in the 60th year of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The visit will also elevate India-Singapore relations with a focus on non-traditional areas of cooperation, including energy, industrial parks, semiconductors, and skills development.
During his visit Shanmugaratnam will meet President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Discussions are likely to be held to strengthen bilateral ties. He will also hold talks with economists, academics, and NITI Aayog officials.
Singapore keen to diversify its investments
Discussions are expected to revolve around diversifying investments and expanding cooperation in sectors such as semiconductors, energy, and skill development. According to reports, the countries would sign two agreements related to skill development and semiconductor partnerships.
With Singapore keen to diversify its investments in India and explore new opportunities in business and investment, President Shanmugaratnam will visit Odisha and meet Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi to explore opportunities in this regard. He will also tour the World Skills Centre in Bhubaneswar, which was developed with Singapore’s help. Discussions will also focus on enhancing connectivity and investments, particularly in Assam.
Ex-CII director to receive Singapore’s highest honour
During the visit Tarun Das, former director of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be the conferred with Singapore’s highest honour of citizenship. The honour is in recognition of Das’s contributions to strengthening India-Singapore relations.
Singapore, a major contributor of foreign direct investment to India, invested $12 billion in India last year, with expectations of surpassing that amount in 2025. Singapore’s continued involvement in India’s semiconductor sector, especially with Tata Group. Singapore’s prime minister Lawrence Wong is also expected to visit India later this year.
