Debated in Parliament on 25 Sep 2025.
Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry (a) what specific initiatives are being rolled out under the new Singapore-India partnership roadmap on digital trade, skills development and investment facilitation; and (b) how will these initiatives enhance Singapore's economic competitiveness.
On 4 September 2025, Prime Minister Lawerence Wong and Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Roadmap for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) between India and Singapore during Prime Minister Lawerence Wong's Official Visit to India, which marked the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The Roadmap outlines strategic areas such as sustainability, digitalisation and skills development, where India and Singapore could strengthen our collaboration to deepen linkages, increase trade and investment, and enhance people-to-people exchanges.
One of the specific initiatives is the "Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductors Ecosystem Partnership” where India and Singapore will promote business-to-business matching, work to expedite the movement of semiconductor materials and equipment between the two countries through a “Green Lane”, and potentially, to pursue joint research and development.
Singapore and India are also collaborating on sustainable, next-generation industrial parks in states such as Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. This will provide opportunities for Singapore companies both in the development of these industrial parks and also establish attractive sites for our companies that plan to expand into India.
On skills development, we are working closely with the Indian Government and industry partners to develop training centres in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul. These will equip India's workforce with industry-relevant skills while helping Singapore companies in India to have access to skilled manpower.
Singapore is already the largest investor in India. The CSP and its initiatives provide the framework for our businesses and investors to seize new opportunities and in so doing, enable Singapore to expand our participation in India’s growth and economic potential.
PAPERCUTS