Singapore and India have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to cooperate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation, officials said on Tuesday.

The LOl was inked by Teo Eng Dih, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and R. Lakshmanan, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Ports.

"Shipping and Waterways ( (MOPSW) of India, and witnessed by Dri Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and Ministry of Transport Singapore, and Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Minister of Ports Shipping and Waterways of India," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

Both Sides Will Collaborate

Under the LOl, both sides will collaborate on maritime digitalisation and decarbonisation projects, including identifying relevant stakeholders who could contribute to the effort, and work towards formalising the partnership through a memorandum of understanding on a Singapore-India Green and Digital Shipping Corridor (GDSC).

"India is a leading player in information technology with the potential to become a major producer and exporter of green marine fuels. Singapore, as a key transshipment and bunkering hub, also supports a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem," read the statement.

The Singapore-India GDSC, when established, will enhance collaboration from both countries and help accelerate the development and uptake of zero or near-zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission technologies and the adoption of digital solutions.

India-Singapore Relationship

India-Singapore relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore in September 2024.

With a shared history, a long tradition of friendship based on trust and mutual respect, and extensive cooperation across a wide range of areas, India-Singapore cooperation has deepened and diversified over the years.

India and Singapore have several structured defence interactions, spanning from political leadership down to staff levels of all three-armed forces, D/o Defence Production and DRDO. Defence Minister of Singapore Dr Ng Eng Hen visited India on 21-23 October 2024 for the 6th round of Defence Ministers’ Dialogue.The

15th round of Defence Policy Dialogue (Secretary level) was held in November 2023 in New Delhi. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar visited Singapore in May 2023.

There are bilateral exercises for all three services (Army – Exercise Agni Warrior, Navy – Exercise SIMBEX and Air Force – Joint Military Training). 31st edition of SIMBEX was held in India from 23-29 October 2024.The

13th edition of Ex Agni Warrior was held in India from 05 October to 11 December 2024. 12th edition of  Joint Military Training was held in India on 04 October to 16 December 2024.

4th edition of Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) was hosted by India in November 2024. Singapore co-hosted the inaugural ASEAN – India Maritime Exercise in Singapore in 2023.

Singapore participated in all editions of biennial Exercise Milan since its inception in 1995. In 2024, a total of four Indian Navy ships and one Indian Coast Guard ship visited Singapore for operational turn around/ goodwill visits. Indian Air Force Sarang Helicopter Display team participated in Singapore Air Show 2024 (held in February 2024). Military professionals from both countries undergo short and long term courses under several exchange programs.