By Dr Padmalochan Dash
AHMEDABAD: The visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Odisha is a momentous occasion, imbued with layers of historical significance and modern aspirations. His two-day tour, accompanied by a high-level delegation of ministers, parliamentarians, and officials, comes at a crucial juncture, symbolising not just a diplomatic engagement but a deepening of civilisational and economic bonds between the coastal Indian state and the island nation. This visit carries transformative potential, with a focus on forging partnerships across diverse sectors, from skill development and industrial infrastructure to green energy and cultural exchanges.
Historic Civilisational Ties: Reviving Maritime and Cultural Bonds
The eastern coastline of Odisha has long served as a bridge between India and Southeast Asia. In the ancient past, maritime trade flourished, connecting Kalinga (modern-day Odisha) with regions like Java, Sumatra, and Singapore. These historical exchanges were not confined to commerce; they encompassed the spread of art, architecture, and spiritual traditions, embedding a shared cultural heritage. President Shanmugaratnam’s visit, thus, symbolises the revival of these timeless connections, rekindling Odisha’s role as a gateway to Southeast Asia.
The President’s scheduled visit to the Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects an appreciation of Odisha’s architectural splendour and its enduring cultural ethos. It is a fitting tribute to the state’s illustrious past while heralding a new era of collaborative engagement.
Strengthening Bilateral Engagement: Odisha as a Partner in India-Singapore Relations
Odisha is increasingly asserting its presence on the global stage as a state that combines rich heritage with forward-looking economic strategies. This visit underscores the importance of subnational diplomacy, wherein states like Odisha are seen as pivotal players in strengthening bilateral ties.
The warm reception accorded to President Shanmugaratnam by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reflects the significance India attaches to this engagement. The accompanying discussions with a high-level delegation aim to deepen collaborations in trade, tourism, and investment.
The timing of this visit, just days before the ‘Utkarsh Odisha: Make-in-Odisha Conclave,’ further amplifies its importance. As Odisha prepares to host its flagship investment meet, the President’s presence sets the stage for showcasing the state’s potential as a global investment hub.
Collaborations in Skill Development: Odisha as a Skilling Hub
One of the cornerstone outcomes of the visit is the focus on skill development. The partnership between Odisha’s Skill Development and Technical Education (SD&TE) Department and Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education Education Services (ITEES) holds immense promise.
The collaboration is centred on enhancing the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar, a flagship initiative aimed at equipping Odisha’s youth with industry-relevant skills. The focus areas include hospitality, semiconductor manufacturing, integrated circuits, and industrial automation. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Odisha’s aspiration to become a leading hub for technical education and employment.
In particular, the focus on skilling for the semiconductor sector is of strategic importance. With global demand for semiconductor technology on the rise, Odisha is positioning itself to meet this need by nurturing a skilled workforce. This partnership draws from Singapore’s expertise in the semiconductor industry, offering a blueprint for transforming Odisha into a critical player in this domain.
Industrial Infrastructure and Green Energy: Building the Future Together
Odisha’s partnership with Singapore is also poised to bring transformative changes to its industrial landscape. Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) signed with Sembcorp, a Singaporean state-owned enterprise, focus on developing industrial parks and a green hydrogen corridor.
The proposed Petrochemical and Petroleum Investment Region (PCPIR) near IOCL’s Paradip refinery is another ambitious project, set to benefit from Singapore’s advanced capabilities in infrastructure and urban development. This collaboration is expected to attract significant investments, establishing Odisha as a centre of industrial excellence.
On the energy front, an agreement involving GRIDCO, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and IIT Bhubaneswar underscores a shared commitment to sustainable development. The focus on renewable energy, hydrogen production, and energy storage aligns with global priorities for addressing climate change, offering Odisha a pivotal role in the green energy transition.
Urban Planning and New City Development: Reimagining Odisha’s Cities
Singapore’s reputation for world-class urban planning finds resonance in Odisha’s vision for its urban centres. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has engaged Surbana Jurong, a Singaporean consultancy, to develop a new city near Bhubaneswar with modern amenities and infrastructure.
This initiative not only reflects Odisha’s ambitions for smart and sustainable urban growth but also serves as a testament to its willingness to adopt global best practices. Such projects are expected to set benchmarks for urban development across India.
Cultural and Tourism Exchanges: Strengthening Soft Power
The President’s itinerary, including visits to cultural landmarks like the Sun Temple, reinforces the role of cultural diplomacy in India-Singapore relations. These exchanges serve as a bridge for fostering mutual understanding and appreciation, enhancing people-to-people ties.
Odisha’s rich heritage, complemented by its natural beauty, positions it as a potential tourism hotspot. Singapore’s expertise in tourism development could play a significant role in unlocking this potential, creating new avenues for cultural and economic exchange.
Empowering Local Communities: Skilling and Inclusivity
Beyond the macroeconomic benefits, the collaborations with Singapore aim to empower Odisha’s local communities. By focusing on skill development, particularly for women and marginalised groups, these initiatives seek to create pathways for inclusive growth.
The proposed skilling programs in areas like FinTech, IT-enabled services, and tourism will not only boost employment but also enhance the state’s human capital, ensuring that the benefits of development reach every corner of society.
A Strategic Outlook: Odisha in the Indo-Pacific Context
Odisha’s strategic location along India’s eastern coastline places it at the heart of India’s Act East policy and the broader Indo-Pacific framework. The collaborations initiated during this visit are not merely bilateral; they have regional implications, contributing to enhanced connectivity, trade, and security in the Indo-Pacific.
Chief Minister Majhi’s recent visit to Singapore underscores Odisha’s proactive approach to forging global partnerships. The President’s visit, in turn, is a testament to Singapore’s recognition of Odisha’s potential as a partner in driving regional growth and innovation.
A Visit that Marks the Dawn of a New Era
The visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to Odisha is much more than a ceremonial event. It is a confluence of history and modernity, celebrating ancient ties while forging new partnerships. From skill development and industrial infrastructure to green energy and cultural exchanges, the visit promises to shape the future of Odisha, making it a key player on the global stage.
As Odisha embraces this opportunity, it stands poised to redefine its role in India-Singapore relations, demonstrating how states can act as dynamic agents in fostering international cooperation. This visit is not merely a chapter in Odisha’s development story—it is a prologue to a transformative partnership that resonates far beyond its borders.
(The Writer Dr Padmalochan Dash is an Eminent Researcher on Foreign Policy and India’s Ties with South Asian Countries). Views Expressed are personal.