Renewed Focus on ASEAN Engagement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visits to Brunei and Singapore underscore
India’s increased focus on strengthening ties with ASEAN (Association of
Southeast Asian Nations) countries. These visits follow earlier engagements
with the Prime Ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia, marking a significant uptick
in India’s diplomatic outreach under the "Act East Policy," now in
its 10th year.
Continuing Diplomatic Momentum Despite
Challenges
PM Modi’s tour of Brunei and Singapore was originally planned to include
Thailand, but a change in government there, which also delayed the BIMSTEC
Summit, led to a revision in the itinerary. However, Modi pressed ahead with
the visits to ensure that India’s engagement with ASEAN in his third term as
prime minister remains strong and uninterrupted.
Historic Visit to Brunei: Enhancing Bilateral
Ties
Modi’s visit to Brunei was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime
Minister since the country gained independence in 1984. The timing was
significant, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations
between the two nations. The trip culminated in elevating the India-Brunei
relationship to an “Enhanced Partnership,” which promises deeper collaboration
in areas like trade, gas, space, and capacity building. Notably, Brunei is home
to a satellite tracking station for India’s space program.
Landmark Visit to Singapore: Comprehensive
Strategic Partnership
PM Modi’s visit to Singapore is viewed as a key diplomatic milestone. As the
two countries approach the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties, the
relationship has been upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Modi’s
earlier visit to Singapore in 2018 left a lasting impression, particularly due
to his influential speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue, where he articulated
India’s Indo-Pacific policy. This recent visit saw Modi engaging with
Singapore's new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as well as two former Prime
Ministers who had fostered strong ties with India.
Strengthening Cultural and Economic Links with
Singapore
During discussions, both leaders highlighted the need to further bolster the
robust human, spiritual, and cultural connections between India and Singapore.
Modi commended Singapore for fostering a harmonious multicultural society,
which has embraced the Indian community. Additionally, India and Singapore
explored modern and traditional facets of cooperation, such as advancements in
semiconductor technologies and the establishment of the Thiruvalluvar Centre.
Strategic Economic and Technological
Cooperation
Singapore plays a pivotal role as India’s largest economic partner in ASEAN,
handling 90% of investment exchanges between India and ASEAN nations. The
unique ‘4X4’ India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) helped lay the
groundwork for these talks, with ministers from both countries engaging in
in-depth discussions. The Roundtable set six pillars for bilateral cooperation,
with two new areas—advanced manufacturing (particularly semiconductors) and
connectivity—added to the agenda this year.
India’s Semiconductor Aspirations and
Singapore’s Role
Semiconductor manufacturing emerged as a major focus of the visit, with
Singapore boasting a strong base in this sector. As India seeks to ramp up its
chip-making capabilities, Singapore’s support is seen as essential. Singapore
accounts for 10% of global chip production and 20% of semiconductor-related
activities, and its expertise in "specialty chips" used in cars and
phones will be critical to India’s ambitions.
Shifting Perceptions of India in Singapore
In the past, Singaporean analysts were skeptical of India’s unrealized
potential, especially when compared to China. However, post-pandemic, this
perception is changing as India is seen as a rising economic power. The
country’s rapid growth and significant reforms have led Singapore’s business
and government leaders to recognize India’s promise. While India’s development
is ongoing, Singapore appears increasingly committed to becoming an active
participant in this growth story.
Strategic Balance: India, Singapore, and China
India has made it clear that it is not asking Singapore to choose between India
and China. Instead, it seeks to offer Singapore opportunities for
collaboration, particularly in supply chains, where the "China plus
one" strategy has gained traction. Singapore, meanwhile, maintains a
delicate balance in its relations with both nations. Notably, in their joint
statement, Singapore acknowledged the importance of the Quad and supported
ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific agenda, while still avoiding antagonizing
China.
A Strengthened Partnership with Modern Outlook
India and Singapore are poised to deepen their relationship, moving beyond
traditional ASEAN principles. With a clear focus on economic, technological,
and strategic cooperation, both nations are now working towards a partnership
that reflects a modern outlook and aligns with India's broader development
narrative. This renewed collaboration is set to drive forward India’s Act East
Policy, bolstering its ties within the ASEAN region
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