- Roadmap to cover semiconductors, digital and maritime links, and space cooperation.
- PM Wong highlights India’s strong growth potential and vibrant tech industry.
- The agreement includes a semiconductor green channel, a training hub in Gujarat, and R&D collaboration.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, during his official visit to India, noted that Singapore and India have made significant advancements in various fields of collaboration and are prepared to unveil a roadmap that will outline a definitive direction and vision for the upcoming phase of their bilateral relations.
The roadmap that PM Wong and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are anticipated to unveil collaboration in fields such as semiconductors, maritime and digital connectivity, as well as the space sector.
PM Wong highlighted that numerous collaborative ideas emerged from the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), a continuous dialogue mechanism initiated in 2022 to "inject new energy" into the bilateral relationship. The goal was to advance the relationship, considering that the significant Singapore-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) was established over 20 years ago.
Regarding collaboration in the semiconductor sector, PM Wong stated that both parties have finalized an agreement and achieved advancements in three distinct areas. They consist of establishing a green channel for semiconductor products such as raw materials, equipment, and other resources, assisting India in training technicians and workers for the sector via a shared training center in Gujarat, and also partnering in research and innovation.
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Semiconductors, essential for producing microchips that drive computers, smartphones, and vehicles, are vital to the digital economy, and PM Wong stated that India is well-placed to enhance a more varied and robust supply chain.
Numerous semiconductor firms in Singapore, which are prominent global entities, are also eager to establish connections with Indian companies to expand their operations, he mentioned.
PM Wong expressed optimism regarding India's long-term growth potential, even amid existing geopolitical uncertainties, due to the nation’s young population, rising middle class, advanced technology industry, and a government dedicated to reforms.