India and Singapore Explore Renewable Energy and Data Corridors to Strengthen Strategic Ties

Singapore and India are working towards establishing a “corridor for renewable energy” while deepening cooperation in key sectors such as advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam stated on Thursday.

During his first official visit to India as president, Shanmugaratnam highlighted discussions on creating a “data corridor” between Gujarat’s GIFT City and Singapore. This initiative aims to facilitate secure and trusted data exchanges between financial institutions in both countries.

Shanmugaratnam, who is on a five-day visit, engaged in separate meetings with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The talks broadly focused on expanding bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

Speaking to reporters, he noted that Singapore and India are on a “new trajectory” of collaboration, following the elevation of their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in September last year.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the discussions between Modi and Shanmugaratnam included a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, with an emphasis on strengthening the strategic partnership. They also exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual interest.

“We are exploring new initiatives going beyond the existing active relationship that we have. We are cooperating in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors,” Shanmugaratnam said. He also mentioned joint efforts in “generation and net zero” industrial parks and skilling initiatives for emerging industries.

Addressing developments in the digital domain, Shanmugaratnam reiterated the potential of a data corridor between GIFT City and Singapore, ensuring safe and trusted data exchanges between financial institutions.

Sustainability remains a key focus for both nations, with discussions on the feasibility of a renewable energy corridor. “We are working actively to look at whether a corridor for renewable energy between India and Singapore can be achieved,” he said.

Expressing optimism about the partnership, he remarked, “I am optimistic about our relations with India. I am optimistic because our leaders see eye-to-eye. We are natural partners. Singapore has invested in India’s ambition to be a developed country by 2047.”

Reflecting on historical ties, he acknowledged India’s early recognition of Singapore’s independence in 1965. “We will never forget that India was one of the first few countries to recognize Singapore’s independence in 1965. And since then, our relationship has grown by bounds,” he said.

He further described the collaboration as a “natural partnership between a small country, Singapore, and a very large country, India,” underscoring the extensive areas of mutual interest.

Highlighting economic ties, Shanmugaratnam said, “Our business relationships are thriving. In fact, Singapore has been the largest investor in India for many years now. Our defence relationship is strong.”

During his visit, the Singapore president also met with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, as well as key ministers, including Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Health Minister J. P. Nadda, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary.

According to the MEA, the visit marks the beginning of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations, which have evolved into a “robust and multi-faceted” partnership. To commemorate the occasion, Murmu and Shanmugaratnam jointly unveiled a special logo.

“Singapore is a key pillar of India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific,” the MEA stated.

“This visit follows an eventful year in India-Singapore bilateral relations, the hallmark of which was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024,” the statement added.

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