Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore (31 May - 2 June 2018)

High Commission of India

Singapore

List of outcomes during Hon’ble PM’s visit to Singapore (May 31-June 2, 2018)

Unveilings and Inauguration

1. Unveiling of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Plaque at Clifford Pier

PM and Emeritus Senior Minister Mr. Goh Chok Tong unveil a plaque marking the site where the immersion of the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi took place at the Clifford Pier in Singapore on 23 March 1948

2. Inauguration of Permanent crafts platform “Kala Sangam”

Hon’ble PM inaugurated ‘Kala Sangam’, a permanent crafts platform at the Indian Heritage Centre, a joint initiative of High Commission of India and Indian Heritage Centre, to invite Indian artisans in rotation for a month each to demonstrate their craft and make and sell their products. A fund has been set up to pay for their air travel, daily allowance and lodging in Singapore. It was launched in the presence of Mdm. Grace Foo, Minister of Culture.

Fintech and innovation

1. International Launch of RuPay Debit/Credit Card

PM launched India’s RuPay Card internationally in Singapore. The RuPay card is India’s version of Visa, Mastercard or Alipay. The launch of RuPay in Singapore not only makes it convenient for Indian RuPay card holders to use it in Singapore, but also marks the first step in its internationalisation.

2. Agreement to launch Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) QR

PM also launched the agreement between NETS and NPCI to make arrangements for acceptance of Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) QR mobile payment app in Singapore. BHIM has been a huge success in India. Its launch in Singapore will enable Indian account holders travelling to Singapore to make payments using the BHIM app on their phones. The system was tested and is compatible with NETS system in Singapore. This will be the first international launch of BHIM and a step in the direction of internationalisation of India’s payment apps, which would provide a convenient payment system for a growing number of Indians travelling abroad.

3. Launch of UPI-based remittance apps

PM also launched the first international United Payment Interface (UPI) based cross-border remittance mobile app in Singapore, developed by SBI. This is the first cross-border remittance app that uses India’s own UPI. It is quick, convenient, efficient and cost-effective remittance system that works with virtual account numbers. This is a major achievement in providing Indian workers and others abroad to remit money home. It is another example of internationalising India’s own digital financial product.

4. New India Innovation Hub

A private initiative that offers 50,000 sq ft free rental space in Singapore on equity swap model, with state-of-the art facilities and incubation and mentoring support, for qualified Indian startups looking to enter Singapore, ASEAN and global markets. It will also be platform for innovation collaboration between Indian and Singaporean enterprises.

5. Joint Working Group (JWG) on FinTech

The two sides launched a Joint Working Group on Fintech led by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Department of Financial Services (DFS), the Ministry of Finance, India

6. Statement of Intent between NITI Aayog and Pan IIM Alumni Association (PIIMA), IIT Alumni Association of Singapore (IITAAS), The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE), and The Indian School of Business Alumni Association – Singapore Chapter (ISBAA) on Cooperation in India’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem.

NITI Aayog along with these organisations will identify specific projects for supporting India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and promoting Indian innovation abroad.

Science & Technology

1. Memorandum of Understanding between NITI Aayog and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) for Research and exchange partnership in the area of artificial intelligence, machine learning, cognitive computing and big data analytics to improve healthcare, cybersecurity, automation, mobility, smart energy systems and e-governance.

2. Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Doctoral Degree Program between Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and NTU in science, engineering, management, computing and social sciences.

3. Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Doctoral Degree Program between Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai and NTU in science, engineering, management, computing and social sciences.

4. Memorandum of Understanding for Research and Academic Collaborations between Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and NTU Satellite Research Centre.

5. Memorandum of Understanding between Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Singapore Space Technology Association, (SSTA) for commercial collaboration in the space sector and the development of the Singapore Space Industry.

6. Memorandum of Understanding for Research Attachment of Doctoral Research students between Indian Institute of Science (IISC) and NTU

7. Endowment gift agreement between Kris Gopalakrishnan and Nanyang Technological University (NTU): Gopalakrishnan-NTU Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship for SDG 4 million

Defence & Strategic Partnership Sectors

1. The two sides agreed to Third Country Cooperation, emanating from the strategic partnership and economic complementarities between Singapore and India. Possible areas of cooperation include digital connectivity and platforms, skills enhancement, human resource development and basic infrastructure.

2. Implementation Agreement between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy concerning Mutual Coordination, Logistics and Services Support for Naval Ships’, Submarines and Naval Aircraft (including Ship borne Aviation Assets) visits.

The Implementation Agreement will facilitate deployment of naval assets from bases of the other through logistics and services support. 

3. Both sides agreed to India’s proposal for continuous and institutionalised naval engagements in their shared maritime space including establishing maritime exercises with like-minded regional / ASEAN partners. 

4. Extension of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India and the Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SINGCERT), cyber security agency of the Republic of Singapore on cooperation in the area of cyber security.

The MoU on cooperation in the area of cyber security signed in November 2015 has been renewed for five years.

5. Memorandum of Understanding between the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of the Republic of India and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of the Republic of Singapore on Cooperation to Combat Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Precursors.

The purpose of this MoU is to facilitate and enhance cooperation between the Parties, to combat illicit trafficking of narcotics drugs, psychotropic substance and their precursors, which is now renewed for there more years.

Economic Policy and Service Sectors

1. Joint Statement on the conclusion of second review of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)

Second review of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) was successfully concluded.

2. Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Nursing

Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on Nursing was signed to allow the nurses from one country to the other.

3. Temasek Singapore announced commitment of US$ 100 million in the National Investment and Infrastructure Master Fund, an infrastructure fund managed by NIIF Ltd, a fund manager anchored by the Government of India.

This MoU is to enhance cooperation in financial innovation through the establishment of a Joint Working Group.

4. MoU between Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) and Asian Competitiveness Institute (ACI), Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy for joint research on competitiveness assessment and public policy.

Trade and Business Sectors

1. MoU between FICCI and Food Industry Asia (FIA) for cooperation in Food processing, safety and capacity building.

This MoU is for cooperation in the area of Food Processing, capacity building of Food Business Operators (FBOs) in India and Singapore and facilitation of food trade between the two countries.

2. Memorandum of Understanding between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) on creating Family Business Networks and training Family Businesses.

CII and Singapore Business Federation will work in providing expertise exchange between family businesses in Singapore & India.  Joint events, studies and missions focused for Family businesses would be organized by both CII and SBF.

3. Memorandum of Understanding between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) on Promotion of Make in India

The tripartite MoU between SBF, SMF and CII will create a platform to promote Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative amongst the Manufacturing industries in Singapore. This MoU will also pave way in organizing sessions in Singapore to promote focused sectors like Digital Manufacturing, Industry 4.0 etc.

4. Memorandum of Understanding between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Singapore Business Federation (SBF) on Young Professionals Exchange Programme on Business Exposure in India and Singapore

The MoU between CII & SBF on Young Professionals exchange programme will help young professionals to gain experience of working in each other’s countries.

Urban & Rural Development Sectors

1. Memorandum of Understanding between National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) on cooperation in the field of Planning

Under this renewed MOU, NITI Aayog will collaborate with SCE tapping Singapore’s expertise in the areas of urban sector planning and development at the central and state level especially in water and waste water management, solid waste management, intelligent transport system and public financing.

2. Memorandum of Understanding between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) for Waste Water Management and Recycling

CII and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) will work on studying effective management of waste water management and also provide implementation solutions. SCE will also work on study with CII and also help in providing technical knowhow to officials from the State Governments for effective waste water management. A project will be launched in Varanasi as pilot project.

3. MoU between Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and wateROAM on rural water treatment solutions.

CII and WateROAM, a young startup, will undertake a pilot project on providing clean water in rural Maharashtra and install 20 WateROAM kits in villages. This is under the initiative of providing opportunities for young Singapore start-ups in India.

Training and Skill Development

1. Memorandum of Understanding between The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of the Republic of India and the Public Service Division of the Republic of Singapore on Cooperation in the field of Personnel Management and Public Administration

This MoU aims to strengthen the partnership between the Parties through various forms of co-operation between both countries’ Public Service officers, which is now renewed for five years.

2. Memorandum of Understanding between Tata Trusts and ITE Education Services (ITEES), Singapore to develop an Indian Institute of Skills (IIS).

Tata Trusts envisages to develop an Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) that provides a world class platform for learning/ training and education in manufacturing skills and thus support Make India through quality manufacturing. Tata Trusts is seeking ITEES’ assistance in designing the institution’s infrastructure, developing course curriculum and creating a quality assurance framework to ensure training excellence.

3. Memorandum of Understanding between National Skill Development Centre (NSDC) and National University of Singapore (NUS) acting through Institute of System Science, Singapore e-Government leadership centre to skill India’s workforce in emerging technologies such as Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence and Robotics and develop courses & certification.

4. Memorandum of Understanding between National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) concerning Trainer and Assessor Academies Programme to establish state-of-the-art Trainer and Assessor Academies across India. 

5. Memorandum of Understanding between National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Enterprise Singapore Board (ES), a Statutory Board, Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Republic of Singapore to support investment by Singapore skills training providers in India.

6. Memorandum of Understanding between Synchorserve Global Solutions Pte. Ltd. And SkillsSG Ventures Pte. Ltd. Facilitated by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Enterprise Singapore (ES) for providing skill training services across India.

This MoU will facilitate establishment of a joint venture in India focusing on delivering competency-based and/ or applied learning skills frameworks and training services across India.

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