India-Singapore Relations Amidst China’s Growing Influence in Southeast Asia

Abstract

A dynamic and strategically important cooperation, India-Singapore relations are influenced by mutual economic, diplomatic, and security interests. In light of China's growing influence in Southeast Asia, this paper examines the changing nature of this bilateral relationship. China's efforts in the South China Sea and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) are forcing both Singapore and India to reevaluate their foreign policy approaches. As a financial and strategic center, Singapore is essential to India's larger Act East agenda, and India continues to be a vital ally of Singapore in preserving a stable regional order. The study intends to investigate how India-Singapore relations are being affected by China's ascent in three crucial areas: defense, economics, and diplomacy. With an emphasis on how both countries are handling their bilateral relations in the face of changing geopolitical realities, it explores the opportunities and difficulties brought about by this trilateral dynamic. Additionally, the paper highlights how crucial multilateral forums like ASEAN and the East Asia Summit are to promoting collaboration between Singapore and India. In an increasingly challenged regional environment, the article aims to advance a better understanding of the resilience and adaptability of India-Singapore ties by examining policy changes, strategic alignments, and cooperative initiatives.