Following a semiconductor collaboration with Malaysia, India further expanded its partnership with Singapore to include advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aviation, and other sectors in their latest ministerial roundtable.
According to the Strait Times, the Hindustan Times, and Financial Express, Singapore hosted the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable on August 26, where Singapore and India expanded their bilateral cooperation to include advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aviation, and maritime connectivity.
In addition to these new focus areas, the two sides finalized about half a dozen agreements in sectors such as food trade, digital cooperation, skill development, healthcare, and the green economy. These agreements are expected to be unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore in September.
S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, described the dialogue on X as productive, noting that both sides explored bilateral cooperation in digital innovation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.
The India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable serves as a vital platform for ministers from both nations to discuss bilateral cooperation and shared interests. Initially launched in 2022 by Singapore's then Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his visit to India, the roundtable has now convened for its second meeting.
The inclusion of semiconductors in the bilateral collaboration follows India's recent efforts to establish similar partnerships with other nations. Just days ago, India and Malaysia upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, with a commitment to enhance cooperation in several sectors, including semiconductors.
In addition to its partnerships with Southeast Asian countries, India has joined forces with the US and Japan to strengthen a resilient semiconductor supply chain. Later this year, India will host the Quad Summit 2024, where participating nations are expected to announce further collaborations in the semiconductor sector.
