Our Bureau
New Delhi
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s upcoming visit to India from January 14 to 18, 2025, marks a significant milestone, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This visit is particularly notable as it will be the first by a Singaporean president in a decade and will include a focus on Odisha, where Singapore is the partner country for the Utkarsh Odisha- Make in Odisha Conclave 2025.
During his visit, President Shanmugaratnam will engage in high-level meetings with Indian leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key discussions are expected to revolve around enhancing cooperation in non-traditional areas such as semiconductors, energy, and skill development. Notably, one of the agreements under consideration involves skilling initiatives in semiconductors within Odisha, aiming to bolster India’s capabilities in this critical sector.
The relationship between India and Singapore has flourished over the past six decades, with Singapore emerging as one of India’s largest trading partners. In FY 2023-24, bilateral trade reached approximately USD 35.61 billion. The visit underscores Singapore’s role as a vital source of foreign direct investment (FDI) for India, contributing significantly to sectors including finance and technology.
President Shanmugaratnam’s itinerary includes visits to cultural landmarks such as the Konark temple and the World Skills Centre in Bhubaneswar, showcasing Singapore’s commitment to fostering educational and vocational training partnerships in India. Additionally, he is expected to tour Bharat Biotech during his stay.
As both countries look to deepen their ties further, this visit is anticipated to pave the way for increased investments and collaborations across various sectors, reinforcing India’s strategic partnership with Singapore as a key player in Southeast Asia.
