Singapore serves as the current country coordinator for India at ASEAN
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar undertook a comprehensive review of all aspects of bilateral ties during a series of high-level interactions while on a visit to Singapore from March 23-25, 2024.
 
This visit marked the first leg of his strategic tour, which also includes the Philippines and Malaysia, aiming to fortify India's international relations. 
 
EAM Jaishankar's journey to Singapore stands out as a testament to the flourishing partnership between India and Singapore, particularly through his engaging discussions with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.
 
Strategic Engagements and Bilateral Dialogues
 
Among the significant meetings was EAM Jaishankar's engagement with Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.
 
“Honoured to call on Prime Minister @leehsiengloong at the Istana. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Valued his perspectives on the current state of the world. His positive sentiments on India-Singapore relationship have always been a source of strength for our ties,” EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X.
 
About his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Wong, he wrote, “Shared perspectives on advancing our relationship especially on new age technologies. Also exchanged views on the evolving global economic situation”.
 
According to information shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the talks focused on deepening engagement in the identified pillars of cooperation like fintech, digitalization, green economy, skills development, and food security.
 
However, it was his interaction with Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan that discussed the trajectory and evolution of the Indo-Singapore relationship.
 
The talks between the two ministers were broad-ranging, covering bilateral, regional, and global issues of shared interest. Their conversation promised deeper cooperation in various sectors, outlining a strategic partnership to contribute significantly to both nations' growth and stability.
 
“Delighted to meet Singapore FM @VivianBala. Reviewed the progress of our bilateral cooperation. Spoke about preparations for the next ISMR meeting. Discussed marking 60 years of our diplomatic ties. Exchanged views on the Indo-Pacific and West Asia,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.
 
The meetings with Minister Balakrishnan and other senior ministers like Gan Kim Yong, Minister of Trade & Industry, were instrumental in identifying new areas for collaboration, including trade and investment, green energy, and food security. These discussions also delved into strategic domains such as semiconductor manufacturing, space technology, and defence, emphasizing the commitment of both nations to explore innovative and sustainable pathways for bilateral cooperation.
 
EAM Jaishankar’s engagements also included paying homage to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at the INA marker, engaging with the Indian community, and participating in events that highlighted the shared history and cultural connections between India and Singapore. These engagements reinforced the socio-cultural ties that complement the strategic and economic dimensions of the India-Singapore partnership.
 
The ongoing discussions reviewed the significant progress achieved in bilateral cooperation and set the stage for the next phase of collaboration, especially as Singapore serves as the current country coordinator for India at ASEAN.
 
As EAM Jaishankar continues his diplomatic tour to the Philippines and Malaysia, the reinforced ties with Singapore sums up India’s commitment to strengthening its relationships across Southeast Asia. The visit to Singapore, particularly the fruitful exchange with Minister Balakrishnan, lays down a blueprint for future cooperation, where personal diplomacy would play a major role in navigating the complexities of international relations.