In News:

India and Singapore have recently elevated their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) by signing multiple agreements across defence, space, trade, skills, and sustainability.

A key highlight was Singapore’s support for India’s interest in joint patrolling of the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. This development has both bilateral and regional strategic implications.

The Malacca Strait: Geography and Importance

• Location: Between Sumatra (Indonesia) and Peninsular Malaysia–Thailand, linking the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) with the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean).
• Significance:
  • One of the busiest shipping lanes globally, handling ~60% of India’s seaborne trade and nearly all its LNG imports.
  • A vital energy artery for China, making it a strategic vulnerability (“Malacca Dilemma”).
  • Historically named after the Malacca Sultanate (1400–1511).

Malacca Straits Patrols (MSP)

• Launched in 2004 by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore; Thailand joined later.
• Aimed at curbing piracy, terrorism, and trafficking.
• Three coordinated layers:
  1. Sea Patrols: Regular joint naval patrolling.
  2. Eyes-in-the-Sky: Combined aerial surveillance.
  3. Intelligence Exchange Group: Real-time information sharing.
• India’s interest in joining the MSP reflects its commitment to freedom of navigation, regional stability, and maritime security.

India–Singapore Bilateral Cooperation (2025 Roadmap)

During PM Narendra Modi’s meeting with Singapore PM Lawrence Wong (2025), a roadmap was adopted identifying eight priority areas:

1. Trade and Economy
2. Skills Development – MoU to establish a National Centre of Excellence for Advanced Manufacturing Skilling in Chennai.
3. Digitalisation& AI
4. Sustainability – MoU for a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor and collaboration on green maritime fuel.
5. Connectivity– Deepening maritime links.
6. Healthcare & Medicine
7. People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges
8. Defence and Security – including space collaboration.

Key Agreements

• Space Cooperation: MoU between IN-SPACe (India) and Singapore’s Office for Space Technology and Industry for commercial and research linkages.
• Green Shipping Corridor: To promote sustainable maritime trade.
• Skill Development: Centre of Excellence for advanced manufacturing skilling.

Strategic Implications

• For India:
  • Securing energy and trade routes through the Strait.
  • Expanding its role in regional security architecture.
  • Strengthening defence and space cooperation with ASEAN.
• For Singapore:
  • Reinforces its position as a hub for maritime and digital connectivity.
  • Gains from India’s manufacturing, space, and green energy initiatives.
• Regional Balance:
  • Counters China’s strategic dominance in the South China Sea.
  • Enhances multilateral security frameworks in the Indo-Pacific.