India-Singapore hold first ever Ministerial trilateral to push strategic partnership to next level

India and Singapore on Saturday held their first ever trilateral ministerial — first such initiative for both countries — to push trade and commerce ties, which is key pillar of bilateral partnership. The discussions covered a wide range of topics, including food security, energy security, digitalisation, green technology, and skills development.

From Singapore side Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong led the delegation. The five-day trip will be Lwarence Wong’s first official visit to the country in his capacity as Deputy Prime Minister.

This was the inaugural India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR). The ISMR is a new ministerial platform between the two countries, seeking to "deepen existing cooperation and identify opportunities for mutually-beneficial collaboration in new and emerging areas".



The ISMR is a leaders-led forum to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration given the rapidly evolving geopolitical developments in a post-COVID-19 recovery phase and ongoing supply chain disruptions. The Ministers affirmed the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between India and Singapore, with deep reservoirs of strategic trust..

“Delighted to participate in the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable along with FM @nsitharaman & CIM @PiyushGoyal. An open and freewheeling discussion on the possibilities and prospects of our ties in the coming decade. Considerable food for thought. Look forward to our next session,” Jaishankar tweeted after the meeting.

Wong, who is also Finance Minister, attended the ISMR with Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong and Minister for Transport and Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations S Iswaran.

The Ministers were later joined by industry leaders from both sides.

On Sunday, Wong will travel to Gujarat, where he will meet Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel and visit Gujarat International Finance City.