19th India-Singapore Foreign Office Consultations Held in New Delhi

India and Singapore reviewed progress under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership roadmap, focusing on economic ties, digitalisation, defence, healthcare, connectivity and regional cooperation during consultations in New Delhi.

India-Singapore Hold 19th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi

Bilateral Cooperation Reviewed Under Strategic Partnership Roadmap

India and Singapore held the 19th round of their Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi, reviewing progress across various areas of bilateral cooperation under the roadmap for their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP).

The meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to assess ongoing initiatives, discuss future priorities and strengthen coordination on matters of mutual interest.

The consultations were co-chaired by Rudrendra Tandon, Secretary (East) in India's Ministry of External Affairs, and Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Policy) at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Eight Priority Areas Discussed

During the consultations, India and Singapore examined progress across the eight key areas identified under their bilateral roadmap.

These areas include:

• Economic cooperation

• Skills development

• Digitalisation

• Sustainability

• Connectivity

• Healthcare and medicine

• People-to-people and cultural exchanges

• Defence and security cooperation

Both sides discussed ways to strengthen implementation and ensure that initiatives under these priority areas deliver tangible outcomes.

The discussions reflected the broadening nature of India-Singapore relations, which now extend across economic, technological, social, environmental and security-related fields.

Focus on India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable

The two countries also discussed initiatives that will be taken forward through the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR).

The platform provides an important mechanism for advancing cooperation across multiple sectors and coordinating efforts between the two governments.

Both sides emphasised the importance of effective implementation and continued engagement to translate decisions into concrete progress.

Regional and Global Issues Also Discussed

Beyond bilateral cooperation, India and Singapore exchanged views on major regional and international developments. Both countries reaffirmed the importance of maintaining close coordination in regional and multilateral forums.

ASEAN was among the key platforms highlighted during the discussions, reflecting Singapore's important role in Southeast Asia and India's growing engagement with the region.

The two sides agreed that stronger coordination would be important in addressing common challenges and promoting stability, cooperation and sustainable development.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Established in 2024

India and Singapore elevated their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore in September 2024.

The move reflected the growing importance of the relationship and the expansion of cooperation into new and emerging areas.

The partnership seeks to deepen engagement across economic, technological, security and people-to-people dimensions while creating new opportunities for collaboration.

Roadmap Launched During Singapore PM’s India Visit

The roadmap outlining the priorities of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was launched during Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's visit to India in September 2025.

The framework provides a structured approach for advancing cooperation between the two countries.

Its eight priority areas cover sectors that are increasingly important to both economies, including digital transformation, sustainable development, healthcare, skills, connectivity and security.

The latest Foreign Office Consultations reviewed progress under this framework and considered ways to accelerate implementation.

Economic and Technology Cooperation Remains Important

Economic cooperation continues to be an important pillar of India-Singapore relations. The two countries are also expanding their engagement in digitalisation and emerging technologies, reflecting their shared interest in building modern and competitive economies.

Skills development is another important area, with cooperation aimed at strengthening human resources and creating opportunities for professionals and young people.

These areas can contribute to deeper economic integration and greater innovation between the two countries.

Connectivity and Sustainability Among Key Priorities

Connectivity and sustainability also form important components of the bilateral roadmap.

Improved connectivity can strengthen trade, investment and people-to-people links, while cooperation on sustainability can support both countries' efforts to address environmental challenges.

Healthcare and medicine were also included in the discussions, highlighting opportunities for greater collaboration in a sector that has gained increasing importance globally.

Defence and Security Cooperation Strengthened

Defence and security remain key elements of India's strategic relationship with Singapore. Both countries have maintained regular engagement in this area and continue to explore ways to strengthen cooperation.

The inclusion of defence and security in the CSP roadmap reflects the shared importance of maintaining a stable and secure regional environment.

People-to-People Ties Continue to Grow

Cultural and people-to-people exchanges were also discussed during the consultations. Stronger interaction between citizens, institutions and communities can contribute to greater mutual understanding and reinforce the longstanding relationship between India and Singapore.

Educational, cultural and professional exchanges can further strengthen these connections in the years ahead.

India-Singapore Partnership Enters a New Phase

The 19th round of Foreign Office Consultations demonstrates the continued commitment of India and Singapore to strengthening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

With cooperation expanding across economic, technological, healthcare, connectivity, cultural and security sectors, both countries are seeking to build a broader and more resilient partnership.

Continued coordination through bilateral mechanisms and regional platforms such as ASEAN is expected to support the implementation of the roadmap and create new opportunities for collaboration.

The latest discussions underline the shared objective of deepening strategic ties while contributing to greater regional connectivity, stability and economic growth.

Conclusion

The 19th India-Singapore Foreign Office Consultations reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. With greater focus on trade, digitalisation, defence, healthcare, connectivity and regional cooperation, India and Singapore are set to further strengthen their long-standing bilateral ties and contribute to regional stability and growth.