Donald Trump vs PM Modi: Historic India-Singapore Agreement Signed Amid U.S. Trade Pressure

While former US President Donald Trump continues to exert pressure on the issue of tariffs, India has strengthened its role in the Asia-Pacific by making a historic agreement with Singapore. On Thursday (September 4, 2025), in New Delhi, five important agreements were made during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, covering areas from green shipping to space. These agreements will provide new impetus not only to the economy but also to regional politics.

Prime Minister Modi stated after this meeting that Singapore is an important pillar of India's Act East Policy, and this is not just an economic partnership, but a deep friendship based on shared values and trust. Wong also clarified that in a world filled with uncertainty, India-Singapore cooperation is more important.

Both these leaders together inaugurated the second phase of the India Mumbai Container Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in Mumbai. PSA International of Singapore has invested more than one billion dollars in this project, underscoring the trust in this partnership.

The agreements made during this visit include areas such as digital asset innovation, aviation training and research, green and digital shipping corridor, national skill center in Chennai, and space collaboration. Notably, India has launched nearly 20 satellites for Singapore so far.

In the past seven years, Singapore has emerged as the largest foreign investor in India, with total investments reaching 170 billion dollars. Trade, which was at 6.7 billion dollars in 2004-05, has surged to a whopping 35 billion dollars in 2024-25. Singapore's importance as a bridge connecting India with ASEAN countries has been reiterated, and it has been decided to soon review the CECA and AITIGA agreements.

Amidst the shadow of tariff disputes with America, India has taken a step forward with Singapore, showing a clear direction to strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific region.