The Union Education Minister of India recently went on a three-day visit to Singapore. The intention of the trip was to solidify existing connections and identify potential opportunities for broadening bilateral involvement in education and skill development. This article explores the key points from the minister’s visit, the historical and current relations between India and Singapore, including trade, defense and security, and educational, scientific and technological cooperation.
Key Takeaways From the Minister’s Visit
The Union Education Minister met with several influential figures in the Singaporean government and visited Spectra Secondary School. A crucial meeting with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance revolved around strengthening cooperation and zeroing in on skill development. The emphasis was on creating lifelong learning opportunities, cultivating a future-ready workforce, and prioritizing knowledge and skill development as a strategic alliance pillar. The minister underlined the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its focus on vocational education, relevance of training to the market, and merging higher education qualification structure with skills qualifications framework. Learning from Singapore’s best practices to tailor them according to Indian requirements was also a point of discussion.
India-Singapore Relations: A Historical Perspective
India and Singapore share commercial, cultural, and interpersonal bonds that go all the way back to the previous millennium. Sir Stamford Raffles founded a trading station in Singapore in 1819 along the Straits of Malacca route. After Singapore’s independence, India was among the first few countries to recognize it in 1965.
Trade and Economic Collaboration between India and Singapore
Singapore holds a significant position as one of India’s primary trade and investment collaborators in ASEAN, making up 27.3% of India’s overall trade with ASEAN in 2021-22. Over the past two decades, Singapore has invested nearly $136.653 billion in India, which amounts to almost 23% of the total Foreign Direct Investment inflows. Both countries have also jointly initiated numerous projects to enhance trade and investment, including the India-Singapore Business Forum and the India-Singapore CEOs Forum.
Defence and Security Engagement
The two nations share mutual concerns regarding regional stability and maritime security. In 2015, they enhanced their relationship to a strategic partnership. They have also inked several agreements to strengthen their defense ties.
Bilateral Cooperation in Education, Science, and Technology
The 28th edition of the DST-CII India-Singapore Technology Summit took place in February 2022, highlighting India and Singapore’s collaboration in various domains such as AI, IoT, fintech, healthcare, etc. The Indian Space Research Organisation launched Singapore’s first indigenous micro-satellite in 2011. Singapore is interested in partnering with India on digital public infrastructure projects, including Aadhaar-like national identity systems.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Both nations celebrate a rich heritage of cultural diversity, linguistic affinity, and religious harmony, contributing to Singapore’s economic development, social fabric, and cultural diversity. ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was held in Singapore in January 2018, marking 25 years of ASEAN-India Partnership under the theme “Ancient Route, New Journey”.
Collaboration in Infrastructure Development
Singapore’s proficiency in infrastructure development, smart cities, and urban planning aligns with India’s sustainable development and smart cities goals. Singaporean corporations have actively participated in developing infrastructure projects in India, including industrial parks, airports, and urban infrastructure.