India and Singapore signed several important Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday, focusing on digital technologies, semiconductors, healthcare, and skill development, further strengthening the partnership between the two nations.
The agreements were finalized following bilateral discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is visiting Singapore, and his Singaporean counterpart, Lawrence Wong.
Key MoUs Signed:
1. Digital Technologies:
An MoU between India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information will boost cooperation in digital fields such as cyber-security, 5G, super-computing, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. The agreement also includes initiatives for upskilling and reskilling workers in the digital sector.
2. Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership:
A significant MoU was signed to promote collaboration in developing a semiconductor cluster, enhancing semiconductor design and manufacturing, and attracting investments from Singapore to India. This agreement involves India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. Singapore, which contributes to 10% of global chip production and 20% of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, plays a critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
3. Health and Medicine:
The two countries signed an MoU between India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Singapore’s Ministry of Health to foster collaboration in health research, innovation, and human resource development. This will also facilitate opportunities for Indian healthcare professionals in Singapore.
4. Education and Skills Development:
The final MoU, signed by India’s Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Singapore’s Ministry of Education, focuses on enhancing cooperation in technical and vocational education and training. This agreement will complement the existing collaboration on skill development between the two countries.
PM Modi’s Visit and Ceremonial Welcome:
Prime Minister Modi, upon arriving in Singapore, received a ceremonial welcome at Parliament House where he was greeted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Modi signed the visitors’ book and met with Singaporean ministers and delegates.
During their discussions, Modi described Singapore as both a partner and an inspiration for developing nations. The two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, covering areas such as advanced manufacturing, digitalization, healthcare, skills development, and sustainability.
Following his bilateral meetings, Modi is scheduled to visit AEM Holdings Ltd’s semiconductor facility, join a lunch hosted by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and meet with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He will also engage with business leaders in a meeting with CEOs in Singapore.
