Jaishankar Highlights Singapore’s Central Role in India’s Act East Policy

Swift Summary:

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan,President Tharman Shanmugaratnam,Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong,and former Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean during his visit to Singapore on July 13,2025.
• Jaishankar described Singapore as central to India’s Act east Policy and highlighted its significance in bilateral relations.
• India-Singapore relations were elevated to a thorough strategic partnership during PM Modi’s visit in September last year.
• Both sides reviewed progress in areas like investments, industrial parks, semiconductors, infrastructure progress, skill training, and connectivity from past summits.
• Vivian Balakrishnan stated India will play an increasingly vital role globally as the world transitions into multipolarity.
• The two nations agreed to hold the third India-Singapore ministerial roundtable soon in New Delhi.
• Discussions included ASEAN-related issues,Indo-Pacific developments,and global matters. temasek Holdings’ Chairman-designate expressed interest in expanding investments in India.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The engagement between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and multiple high-ranking officials of Singapore reflects India’s intent to deepen strategic ties with its Southeast Asian neighbor at both political and economic levels. With multipolarity emerging globally-a perspective echoed by Foreign Minister Balakrishnan-India’s emphasis on partnerships such as those with Singapore aligns with regional ambitions under policies like the Act East Policy.

Focusing on sectors such as semiconductors and skill development is particularly significant for strengthening mutual economic resilience while advancing technological collaboration amid shifting global supply chain dynamics. Furthermore,discussions around ASEAN connectivity underscore India’s aim to bolster regional interdependence while positioning itself strategically within the Indo-Pacific dialog.

A continued deepening of this relationship could enhance geopolitical stability for both nations amidst competing interests across Asia-Pacific corridors. However, pragmatic deliverables from ministerial engagements will remain central for ensuring tangible outcomes from these high-level exchanges.Read More