Singapore: After two decades, Singapore witnessed a leadership change in 2024 with a planned transition to the fourth generation of People’s Action Party (PAP) politicians. Economist Lawrence Wong, 51, succeeded Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 72, in May after Lee’s two-decade tenure. The ruling PAP, which has steered Singapore’s economic progress for over five decades, continued to lead under Wong’s guidance.
Strengthened India-Singapore Bilateral Relations
As India and Singapore celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, the two nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore in September. Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule described 2024 as an “eventful year for India-Singapore relations.”
Ambule emphasized that the strengthened bilateral ties would contribute to India’s economic growth in the years ahead. During Modi’s visit, both sides announced plans to collaborate in the semiconductor industry, signaling significant future investments from Singaporean companies in India.
Landmark Meetings and Collaborations
The 2nd round of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in August brought together four senior ministers from India and six from Singapore to discuss opportunities in digitalization, skills development, sustainability, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity. “This 4+6 meeting was unprecedented for both sides,” Ambule noted.
In October, the inaugural Cyber Policy Dialogue was held in Singapore, and in November, Wong joined Modi at the G20 Summit in Brazil, where India launched the Declaration on Digital Public Infrastructure, AI, and Data for Governance.
Economic Engagement and SICCI Initiatives
The Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) played a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties. Former Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted SICCI’s efforts in providing local firms with outreach and advice on the Indian market. SICCI’s “India Fever” initiative deepened trade and investment links, with six successful trade missions in the last 18 months led by its Internationalising Sub-Committee, chaired by Neil Parekh.
Cultural and Scientific Collaborations
Key events in 2024 included:
- The inaugural ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave.
- E-workshops on digital health and medical technologies and the green economy.
- Participation of Singaporean Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam in World Tamil Diaspora Day 2024 in Chennai, reflecting the close cultural ties between the nations.
Defense Cooperation
The 31st edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was held in India in October. Soldiers from both nations participated in Agni Warrior, a regular military exercise, and the 12th edition of Joint Military Training, which took place in India from October 4 to December 16. Additionally, the expanded 4th edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise was hosted by India in November.
A Year of Contrasts
While bilateral ties flourished, Singapore faced its first political corruption trial in nearly half a century. Former cabinet minister S Iswaran was sentenced to one year in prison for obstructing justice and receiving over USD 300,000 worth of gifts.
As Singapore transitions into a new era of leadership under Lawrence Wong, its strengthened partnership with India sets the stage for deeper collaboration in areas of mutual interest, marking 2024 as a milestone year for both nations.
