What happened?
Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is visiting the Indian coastal state of Odisha as part of his ongoing visit to India from January 17-18, 2025. At least eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during this visit, focusing on skill development, industrial infrastructure, and sustainable energy.
Why it matters to India
Singapore has previously partnered with Indian states such as Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The current focus on Odisha represents Singapore’s effort to broaden its partnerships in India, particularly in the semiconductor sector. For instance, an MoU will be signed with Odisha to extend cooperation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), aiming to enhance the skill development ecosystem for the semiconductor industry in the state.