India and Singapore have forged stronger ties through the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering digital technologies, semiconductors, health cooperation, and skill development. The agreements were finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore, where he met with his Singaporean counterpart, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The bilateral discussions led to the signing of key agreements aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations.
Digital Technologies Collaboration
The first MoU, signed between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information, focuses on enhancing cooperation in digital technologies. This agreement covers areas such as data protection infrastructure (DPI), cyber-security, 5G, and emerging technologies like super-computing, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. Additionally, it will facilitate joint efforts in upskilling and reskilling workers in the digital sector.
Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership
India and Singapore also signed a MoU concerning their semiconductor ecosystem. This agreement, made between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, aims to develop a semiconductor cluster and foster talent in semiconductor design and manufacturing. It also supports Singapore’s investment in India’s semiconductor industry. Singapore is a significant player in the global semiconductor supply chain, contributing to 10% of global chip production and 20% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment production.
Health Cooperation
A third MoU, signed by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Singapore’s Ministry of Health, focuses on health and medicine. The agreement will enhance collaborative efforts in research and innovation and promote closer cooperation in human resource development within the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. It will also support the promotion of Indian healthcare professionals in Singapore.
Educational and Skills Development
The final agreement on educational and skills development was signed between India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Singapore’s Ministry of Education. This MoU aims to strengthen cooperation in technical and vocational education and training, building on the existing collaboration in skill development.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Singapore’s Parliament House and expressed his admiration for Singapore’s development model. Modi described Singapore as an inspiration for developing countries and emphasized the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
The leaders reviewed various aspects of their bilateral relationship, including advanced manufacturing, connectivity, digitalization, healthcare, skills development, and sustainability. The signing of these MoUs marks a significant step in enhancing the multifaceted partnership between India and Singapore.
Sources By Agencies
