Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attended the G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, India, from 8 to 10 September 2023 at the invitation of Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, in India’s capacity as the 2023 G20 Presidency
Under the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, the 2023 Indian G20 Presidency sought to promote inclusive growth and accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Prime Minister Lee participated in discussions on the importance of rules-based multilateralism, digital public infrastructure, health, energy transitions and sustainable development. He also had bilateral meetings with other Leaders on the sidelines of the Summit.
Prime Minister Lee was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, Ms Indranee Rajah, and senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loon also Participated in the G20 Virtual Summit on 22nd November 2023.
Financial Collaboration – PayNow-UPI Linkage
One of the noteworthy developments in India-Singapore relations was the launch of the Real-time Payment Systems Linkage between India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Singapore’s PayNow, creating the system PayNow-UPI linkage. This system has significantly eased money transfers between India and Singapore, providing a seamless and efficient financial channel for individuals and businesses in both nations.
The innovation was first brought up in 2018 when PM Modi visited Singapore and central banks from India and Singapore were able to discuss an innovative solution that would provide service to respective countries’ citizens and strengthen bilateral ties between India and Singapore.
This initiative enhances economic ties and facilitates trade and investments, between India and Singapore. At the launch PM Lee Hsien Loong said, “I hope this strong partnership between Singapore and India will continue to spawn innovative technology solutions and create more cross-border opportunities for our digital economies.”
Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Mr. Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the momentous event via a video conference; the ceremony was held on 20th February 2023.
Other Ministerial Visits
During the whole year, there were several ministerial visits by Singapore to India and vice versa.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM)
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, participated in the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM) held in New Delhi, India, from March 1 to 2, 2023. He met External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. During the meeting, ministers emphasized the role of multilateralism in addressing global challenges, including reinforcing global supply chain resilience, ensuring food and energy security, enhancing cooperation on humanitarian assistance, and supporting developing countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Minister Balakrishnan highlighted the emerging challenges related to the bifurcation of technology and economies, emphasizing the need for strong multilateralism to address these global issues. He also stressed the importance of international collaboration to counter radicalization and terrorism within societies.
Minister Balakrishnan and Minister Jaishankar reaffirmed the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable as a good platform for Singapore and India to collaborate in emerging areas including digitalisation, sustainability, healthcare and skills development.
Raisina Dialogue and Neemrana Conference
The Raisina Dialogue is India’s premier conference on geopolitics and geo-strategy, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). Held annually, the 8th edition took place from 02-04 March 2023 in Delhi. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the event drew over 2500 participants from 100+ countries, including the then Senior Minister (SM) of Singapore H.E. Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
The theme, “Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence: Lighthouse in the Tempest?” explored global challenges across five thematic pillars. The conference, growing in stature over the past eight years, engages decision-makers, thought leaders, and experts in international affairs.
Defence Collaboration – Indian Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar Visits Singapore
The Indian Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, paid a visit to Singapore and met the Minister of Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, during the first week of March 2023. The meeting served as a platform to reaffirm the strong and long-standing bilateral defence ties between the two nations.
These interactions have not only deepened mutual understanding but have also strengthened cooperation between the Indian and Singaporean navies. Such collaborations are instrumental in ensuring regional security and stability.
In addition to meeting Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Admiral R. Hari Kumar also visited the Kranji War Memorial; inspected the Guard of Honour of Defence; met with Defence Force Rear-Admiral (RADM) Aaron Beng and Chief of Navy RADM Sean Wat; visited the Information Fusion Centre (IFC) at RSS Singapura-Changi Naval Base (CNB); co-officiated the opening ceremony for the inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise with RADM Wat; visited the RSN’s Formidable-class Frigate RSS Supreme; and attended the 8th edition of the International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC).
Opportunities in Tamil Nadu – Indian Chief Minister M.K. Stalin invites Singaporean Industrialists and Investors to Tamil Nadu
Indian Chief Minister M.K. Stalin embarked on a visit to Singapore on 24th May 2023, among other destinations, to attract industrialists and investors to Tamil Nadu. He extended invitations to industrialists for the Global Investors Meet scheduled for January 2024. The visit underscores the significance of economic cooperation between Indian states and Singapore.
Education Collaboration – Indian Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Visits Singapore
Indian Union Education Minister Mr Dharmendra Pradhan visited Singapore from 29th to 31st May 2023, where he met with Singaporean Minister for Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong. The primary focus of the discussions was to enhance bilateral cooperation in the education sector and skill development, as Shri Pradhan mentioned that ‘SkillsFuture’ envisions making Singapore a nation of lifelong learners and a society that values skills mastery. Minister Pradhan’s visit included meetings with educational institutions in Singapore, paving the way for potential collaborations between Indian and Singaporean universities. Minister Pradhan’s visit to Spectra Secondary School allowed him to interact directly with students and teachers and have a first-hand feel of how the school prioritises skill-based education.
Minister Maliki Osman’s Mission to Varanasi: G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting 2023
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Second Minister for Education, Dr. Mohamad Maliki Osman, embarked on a working visit to Varanasi, India, from June 11 to 13, 2023. The visit centred around the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting (DMM), chaired by India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar, as part of India’s 2023 G20 Presidency. The G20 DMM aimed to enhance international cooperation for the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and intensify efforts towards green development to address climate change. Minister Maliki engaged with counterparts from various countries and was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to global sustainable development efforts under India’s G20 Presidency.
3rd Edition of Singapore – India Hackathon
Deputy PM, Mr. Lawrence Wong, visited Gandhinagar, Gujarat and jointly with India’s Minister for Education & Skill Development, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, facilitated the winners of the 3rd Edition of the Singapore-India Hackathon. The event was held from the 14th to 15 July 2023. They had discussions regarding deepening engagements in all areas from “Schools to Skills”.
Mr Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, in Singapore, said, “The Singapore-India Hackathon is unique and precious, supported by the leaders of both countries and is conceived from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision.”
G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting
Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, participated in the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial Meeting in Chennai, India on 28th July 2023.
G20 members and invited countries discussed issues related to the economy, circular economy, land degradation and biodiversity loss, and water resource management. On the sidelines of the Meeting, Minister Fu met her counterparts to exchange views and discuss bilateral cooperation on environment and climate sustainability issues.
G20 Health Ministers Meeting
Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung attended the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting and Joint Finance and Health Ministers’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 18th – 19th August 2023. Discussions centred on global health issues, including enhancing prevention, preparedness, and response against health emergencies, strengthening pharmaceutical cooperation, and putting in place digital health strategies to improve healthcare service delivery.
G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting and Digital Innovation Alliance Summit Meeting
Singapore’s Minister for Communications and Information, Mrs. Josephine Teo, participated at the G20 Digital Economy Ministers’ Meeting (DEMM) and attended the Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) Summit on 18th August 2023. Mrs. Teo reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to digital cooperation with her counterparts and discussed new areas of collaboration including data and AI governance, digital trade, cybersecurity, and combatting scams.
The DIA Summit aims to recognise and support innovators with digital solutions for world economies. Minister Teo engaged with Singapore start-ups and venture capitalists based in Bengaluru involved in the event. Six of these start-ups were selected for a pitching competition for a chance to receive mentoring sessions and connect with investors.
G20 Trade & Investment Ministerial Meeting
Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, attended the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting in Jaipur, India. on 24th – 25th August 2023. Minister Gan highlighted the importance of achieving tangible outcomes that can benefit businesses and people at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference; empowering the integration of Small and Medium Enterprises into the global trading system; and embracing digitalisation to build a stronger and more resilient global economy.
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon Delivers Singapore Academy of Law Annual Lecture
Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon was invited to deliver the opening address at the Singapore Academy of Law Annual Lecture on 8th September 2023. This event highlighted the importance of legal cooperation and exchange of knowledge between India and Singapore. Such interactions foster a better understanding of legal systems and promote the rule of law.
15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue
Singapore Permanent Secretary (Defence), Mr. Chan Heng Kee, co-chaired the 15th India-Singapore Defence Policy Dialogue with Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramanen on India Service-to-Service interactions and bilateral exercises on 1st November 2023. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the existing defence cooperation between the two countries and agreed to enhance collaboration in Service-to-Service interactions and bilateral exercises. They also articulated steps to take forward cooperation in emerging areas like cyber security. Both sides identified means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, especially in the field of maritime security and multilateral cooperation. The Defence Secretary appreciated Singapore’s efforts in coordinating and co-hosting the maiden ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise in May 2023. He highlighted the potential of the domestic defence industry with the capacity and capability to meet the requirements of Singapore. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the ‘Strategic Partnership’ based on mutual trust and understanding, common interests and shared values of democracy and the rule
of law.
Celebrate INDIA REPUBLIC DAY 26th January 2024
Read more: IN Diplomacy INDIA Special 2024
issue PDF click here or FlipBook click here
ARTICLES ONLINE:
- H.E. Dr Shilpak Ambule: India’s G20 Impact and Diplomatic Milestones click here
- G20 Bharat Presidency: An Overview click here
- G20 Summit Highlights click here
- Bilateral Roundup: Dr Jaishankar’s Official Visit to Singapore: Opportunity to Deepen Strategic Partnership click here
- Millet Momentum A 2023 Success Story click here
- Tamil Nadu Global Investor’s Meet Attracts Singaporean Investors click here
- Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 click here
- India Welcomes World to MICE Conclave click here
- Kashmir Tourism Revival Changing Lives Daily click here
- Inviting Singaporeans to Explore Incredible India click here
