India, Singapore sign MOUs in semiconductors, digital technology
What's the story
India and Singapore have signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen cooperation in areas such as digital technologies, semiconductors, health cooperation, and skill development.
The agreements were signed following bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong.
PM Modi reached Singapore on Wednesday for his two-day visit of the country.
Earlier this week, the PM visited Brunei, where he met Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.
Tech collaboration
MoUs aim to foster cooperation in digital technologies
The first MoU was signed between India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore's Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
This agreement aims to foster close cooperation in digital technologies such as DPI, cybersecurity, 5G, supercomputing, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.
It also seeks to facilitate upskilling and reskilling workers in the digital domain.
Semiconductor partnership
India, Singapore to develop semiconductor cluster
The second MoU, signed by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry, focuses on the development of a semiconductor cluster.
This agreement aims to cultivate talent in semiconductor design and manufacturing while also facilitating Singapore's investments in India.
Notably, Singapore plays a significant role in the global semiconductor supply chain, producing 10% of all chips worldwide and about 20% of global production for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Health and education
MoUs signed in health, medicine and skill development
India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Singapore's Ministry of Health also signed an MoU to cooperate in the field of health and medicine.
This agreement aims to facilitate joint research and innovation in areas of mutual interest, promote human resource development in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, and support Indian healthcare professionals in Singapore.
The final agreement was signed between India's Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Singapore's Ministry of Education to promote cooperation in technical education.
Diplomatic visit
PM Modi's engagements in Singapore
On his arrival in Singapore, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the Parliament House.
He is set to hold several engagements in the island country, including a visit to AEM Holdings Ltd's semiconductor facility with Wong after a lunch hosted by senior minister Lee Hsien Loong.
Additionally, he will meet with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Emeritus senior minister Goh Chok Tong and hold a business meeting with CEOs in Singapore.