Jaishankar Highlights Singapore’s Central Role In India’s Act East Policy During Diplomatic Visit

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar underscored Singapore's pivotal role in India's Act East Policy during his official visit to the island nation, part of a two-nation diplomatic tour that will also include China. The visit reaffirms the growing strategic convergence between India and Singapore, reflecting their shared vision for regional stability and global multipolarity.

During his stay, Jaishankar held wide-ranging discussions with Singaporean Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, and Teo Chee Hean, the former senior minister and chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings.

Speaking after his meeting with Dr Balakrishnan, Jaishankar described Singapore as being at the “heart” of India’s Act East Policy, New Delhi’s flagship diplomatic initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic engagement with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.

Echoing this sentiment, Dr Balakrishnan remarked, “As the world inexorably transitions into multipolarity, India will play an increasingly important role as one of the major poles of opportunity.” His comments reflect the growing international recognition of India’s emerging geopolitical and economic influence.

The two ministers agreed to convene the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable in New Delhi in the near future. They also reviewed the progress of initiatives launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore in September last year, which elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Key areas of focus during the visit, and reiterated in recent discussions, include cooperation in semiconductors, infrastructure, digital economy, industrial parks, skill development, and cross-border connectivity. The countries also committed to bolstering trade and investment flows, especially in cutting-edge sectors.

Jaishankar’s meeting with Teo Chee Hean centred on the transformational economic reforms underway in India and opportunities for Temasek Holdings to deepen its investment footprint in the country.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, both sides exchanged views on regional and global developments, particularly concerning ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific, and multilateral cooperation. The visit forms part of a series of high-level engagements that underline the priority India accords to its ties with Singapore.