Fri Jan 10 16:41:02 UTC 2025: ## Singapore’s President to Visit India, Focusing on Odisha Collaboration

**NEW DELHI, January 10, 2025** – President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore will undertake a four-day state visit to India from January 15-18, marking the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations. The visit will include a significant focus on Odisha, highlighting Singapore’s interest in establishing collaborative projects in the state.

During his visit, President Shanmugaratnam will tour a Bharat Biotech vaccine manufacturing plant and the World Skills Centre, supported by Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Services (ITEES). Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during his Odisha visit.

In New Delhi (January 15-16), the President will confer an Honorary Citizen Award upon Tarun Das, former Director-General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), for his contributions to strengthening India-Singapore ties. He will also meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu (who will host a state banquet), and several Indian ministers including Nitin Gadkari, J.P. Nadda, Piyush Goyal, and Nirmala Sitharaman. Furthermore, he will engage with members of the Singaporean community in India and participate in a think tank event. President Murmu is expected to reciprocate the visit later this year.

This Odisha focus signals a broader strategy by Singapore to diversify its partnerships within India, complementing its existing collaborations with Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The two nations are also exploring enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including semiconductor technology, industrial automation, and airline services. Singapore is actively working to establish training centers for semiconductor-related jobs in India.

The visit also underscores the strategic importance of the relationship, particularly concerning the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Singapore’s actions last year in halting arms sales through its territory have impacted the military junta, a matter that remains relevant within the India-ASEAN relationship. President Shanmugaratnam will be accompanied by a delegation including ministers and members of parliament, along with a business delegation.

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