Marking six decades of robust diplomatic relations, India and Singapore reaffirmed their enduring partnership through a high-profile business session titled “India–Singapore @60: Partnership for Growth & Engagement,” held in Singapore on 4th October, 2025, Saturday. Jointly organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and ASSOCHAM, the event drew wide participation from senior government officials, business leaders, and industry representatives from both nations.
Delivering the keynote address, India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, commended the transformative progress in bilateral relations over the past six decades. He highlighted that the partnership between India and Singapore has evolved into one of the most dynamic and future-oriented relationships in Asia.
Goyal underscored the growing potential for deeper cooperation across critical sectors such as sustainability, digitalisation, skills development, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity — all anchored in mutual trust and respect. Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State at Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, echoed these sentiments, reaffirming the close and resilient partnership between the two countries. She noted that Singapore remains committed to working closely with India to advance trade, investment, and innovation-led growth, particularly in areas driving sustainable and inclusive development.
The session highlighted the expanding economic engagement between the two nations, spotlighting emerging opportunities in green energy, technology, industrial infrastructure, skills training, and digital transformation. A networking lunch followed, offering participants the opportunity to deepen commercial ties and explore concrete avenues for collaboration. On the sidelines of the event, Minister Goyal held a series of bilateral meetings with leading global investors and chief executives to discuss new areas of cooperation:
- Wong Kim Yin, Group President and CEO of Sembcorp, discussed renewable energy transitions, green hydrogen potential, and skill development initiatives.
- Loh Chin Hua, CEO of Keppel Corporation, explored partnerships in real estate, waste-to-energy projects, and digital connectivity.
- Gautam Banerjee, Chairman of Blackstone Singapore, along with Amit Dixit and Arvind Krishna, reviewed Blackstone’s expanding portfolio in India.
- Jim Coulter, Chairman of Texas Pacific Group (TPG), reflected on investment prospects in India’s high-growth sectors.
- Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken and Saab AB, along with Jean Salata and Jimmy Mahanti of EQT Asia, discussed collaboration opportunities in finance, technology, and advanced industries.
- Manish Pant and Devinder Kishore from Schneider Electric reaffirmed the company’s commitment to India, particularly in energy efficiency, automation, and digital innovation.
A key highlight of the visit was Goyal’s meeting with Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Istana. The two leaders reviewed the strategic trajectory of India–Singapore relations and emphasised their shared commitment to fostering economic resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth. The visit concluded with an interactive session involving members of the Indian business delegation, aimed at aligning investor expectations with India’s evolving policy priorities and regional ambitions. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the deliberations reinforced Singapore’s role as a trusted partner in India’s growth story, while reiterating India’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in finance, technology, energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure. As India and Singapore mark 60 years of diplomatic ties, both nations look ahead to a new era of partnership — one defined by innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
