Singapore: The 2nd round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) took place in Singapore on Monday, during which the progress of the strategic partnership between India and Singapore was reviewed, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
During this meeting, the two nations have agreed to introduce two new pillars: 'Advanced Manufacturing and Connectivity,' aimed at further enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Representatives from India included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
On the Singaporean side, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam, Minister for Law Josephine Teo, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, Second Minister for Home Affairs Tan See Leng, Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng, and Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat participated in the discussions.
The statement highlighted that the Ministers reviewed the progress made under the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership, focusing on the pillars identified in the first meeting of ISMR, which was held in New Delhi on September 17, 2022.
They discussed strategies to expand bilateral cooperation and decided to introduce two new pillars: 'Advanced Manufacturing and Connectivity,' with the aim of further strengthening the partnership. The Ministers also agreed to schedule the next round of ISMR in India at a time that is mutually convenient.
During their visit, the Indian Ministers also had meetings with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India and Singapore are significant partners, and this visit has reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to further enhance their multifaceted partnership.
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has been described as recognizing the India-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue as a crucial platform for the strengthening of bilateral ties.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman expressed gratitude towards the Singaporean Prime Minister for the opportunity to meet with them, stating that discussions with Lawrence Wong have clearly demonstrated the robustness of the ties between India and Singapore.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar has extended his appreciation to the Singaporean Ministers for their dedication to deepening the relations between the two countries.
