Jaishankar, Singapore FM Lay Foundation Stone For New Indian High Commission Complex

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the new Indian High Commission chancery complex in Singapore, saying the facility will reflect a “new era” in the India Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan joined him at the ceremony.

Jaishankar is in Singapore for the fourth India Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR), which is being held on August 20. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada are also part of the Indian delegation.

Ahead of the meeting, Jaishankar and Balakrishnan held detailed talks on ways to deepen ties and also discussed the current geopolitical situation. Jaishankar said he looked forward to further talks with his Singaporean counterpart at the roundtable.

The new chancery is being developed at 54 Stevens Road, marking a move from the High Commission’s long held premises on Grange Road. The new complex is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.

Jaishankar said the facility would also help improve services for the Indian diaspora in Singapore. People of Indian origin make up about nine per cent of Singapore’s resident population. Indians in the country include students and professionals working in finance, IT, construction and marine services. Tamil is also one of Singapore’s four official languages.

The ministerial roundtable will focus on expanding trade, investment, technology, manufacturing, digital cooperation and skills. Goyal is also leading a 70 member business delegation during his Singapore visit from August 19 to 21.

India and Singapore upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2015. Singapore remains India’s largest trading partner in ASEAN. Bilateral trade stood at about USD 34.3 billion in 2024 25. Singapore has also emerged as a major investor in India, with FDI from the country reaching about USD 192.5 billion between April 2000 and December 2025, according to the Indian High Commission.

The new chancery and the upcoming ISMR come as both countries seek to give fresh momentum to their economic and strategic partnership.