Karnataka to strengthen industrial ties with Singapore: Minister M B Patil
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Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government is planning to send a delegation to Singapore next year as the Southeast Asian nation offers the state significant potential to deepen industrial and trade linkages, Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil said on Wednesday.
Ahead of the visit, an official-level meetings will be held to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral industrial cooperation, he said.
"Among ASEAN nations, Singapore is the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India, offering Karnataka valuable opportunities to expand industrial and trade partnerships. To make the best use of this potential, a visit to Singapore is planned during the first half of 2026," Patil said in a statement shared by the minister's office.
Patil held discussions with Gan Siow Huang, Singapore's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, at Khanija Bhavan about investment and industrial collaboration between Karnataka and Singapore.
Gan was in Bengaluru to inaugurate the newly established Enterprise Singapore Centre.
Speaking about the meeting, the minister said, "Singapore is globally recognised for its excellence in the aviation sector, particularly in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) segment. Gan has assured us that Singapore will extend its cooperation to Karnataka in this field."
He further informed her that Karnataka offers excellent investment opportunities in sectors such as information technology, semiconductors, fintech, chip design, and pharmaceuticals.
"Since 2020, Singaporean companies have invested USD 174.88 billion in India, accounting for about 24 per cent of the country's total FDI inflow. Over 9,000 Indian companies are operating in Singapore, while 440 Singaporean firms are active in India," Patil added.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also held discussions with the delegation led by Gan said that Singapore has shown keen interest in conducting trade and business activities in Bengaluru.
The discussions focused on technology sharing and the establishment of an industrial park.
"Last year, officials from the Singapore Consulate had visited us. On Thursday, they will be inaugurating their office in Bengaluru. I have proposed that if they agree, we can construct a multi-storey building so that all their offices can function under one roof," Shivakumar said in a statement issued by his office.
The deputy chief minister recalled that he had earlier discussed this idea with representatives of other countries as well but some of them had concerns about security.
"Now, we are making a fresh effort. Many people from different countries are working in Bengaluru and are showing interest in investing here," he added.
Meanwhile, Australian Consul General Hilary McGeachy called on Minister Patil and discussed investment opportunities in Karnataka in sectors such as education, space, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence, and green and renewable energy, the statement said.
The minister's office said that Patil also held discussions with Jabez Stuart Adams, President of the Senate of the U S State of Utah, and Jonathan Freedman, President and CEO of the World Trade Center Utah. The discussions focused on potential investment opportunities in Karnataka in the aerospace, defence, and technology sectors.
Speaking after the meeting, the minister said, "Companies from Utah are exploring opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, life sciences, diagnostics, education, and e-mobility. We briefed Adams and Freedman about Karnataka's industrial policy, infrastructure, incentives, concessions, and single-window clearance system," he stated.
According to Patil, Utah is also a leading hub for fintech. In addition, universities such as the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Utah State University are renowned for their higher education. These institutions have expressed interest in either setting up campuses in Karnataka or collaborating with reputed educational institutions in the state.
"All these proposals will be considered positively," the minister added.
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Belagavi youth’s murder case projected as road accident, cracked in Uttara Kannada; Three arrested
Karwar: Uttara Kannada police have cracked a murder case in which a Belagavi youth was killed and his body burnt inside a car to make it appear like a road accident.
Addressing a press meet in the city, Superintendent of Police Deepan M.N. said three accused from Old Hubballi have been arrested in connection with the case. The crime was a pre-planned act driven by personal enmity, he said.
The case came to light on April 8 morning when a car (KA-04/MJ-8996) was found completely burnt in a roadside ditch near Talekumbri bus stand in Yellapur. Only charred human remains were found inside the vehicle. Initially, it was suspected to be an accident caused by overspeeding, and a case was registered at Yellapur police station based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s father, Jagannath Dhapale.
However, the father later expressed suspicion that his son’s death was not accidental, prompting a detailed investigation.
Taking the matter seriously, two special teams were formed under the leadership of Yellapur Inspector Ramesh Hanapur. On analysing technical evidence and CCTV footage, police found that it was a planned murder.
The accused have been identified as Abdul Raheem Basheer Ahmed Mujawar (32), Maulasab Bavahan Wada (36) and Dadapeer alias Aftab Mehboob Saab Balasangi (22), all chicken traders from Old Hubballi.
Police have seized the car used in the crime along with two scooters. The accused have been remanded to judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that the accused killed Nitesh Dhapale due to personal enmity and later set the car on fire along with the body to project it as an accident.
SP Deepan M.N. appreciated the efforts of Inspector Ramesh Hanapur, PSIs Rajashekhar Vandali and Siddappa Gudi, and the entire team for solving the complex case.
