Singapore Confers Honorary Citizenship on Tarun Das
Singapore has awarded its highest honor for non-citizens, the Honorary Citizen Award, to Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening Singapore-India relations.
Tarun Das has been instrumental in fostering robust economic and people-to-people connections between Singapore and India over several decades. In 1993, he led a delegation of Indian industrialists to Singapore, marking a pivotal moment in India’s “Look East” policy. This initiative laid the groundwork for annual visits by the CII Core Group to Singapore, facilitating continuous engagement between political leaders and businesses from both nations.
Beyond trade and economics, Das played a crucial role in establishing the India-Singapore Strategic Dialogue, a platform that has convened business leaders, policymakers, and academics since its inception. The 15th edition of this dialogue was held in August 2024, underscoring its enduring significance. As Director of the Singapore-India Partnership Foundation, Das also championed youth and academic exchanges, including the inaugural Students Immersion Programme to India in 2023, involving students from the Singapore University of Social Sciences.
Das’s dedication to enhancing bilateral relations has been previously acknowledged; he received the Singapore Public Service Medal in 2004. The conferment of the Honorary Citizen Award by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in New Delhi on January 15, 2025, further cements his legacy as a pivotal figure in Singapore-India relations. Expressing his gratitude, Das remarked, “I am deeply honoured and privileged to be selected by the Singapore Government to receive the Honorary Citizen Award. My journey with Singapore started 31 years ago and I have seen the ‘Singapore-India Fever’, reflecting a multi-faceted partnership, evolve and grow over the years. A source of great happiness for me.”
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Why in news | Singapore conferred the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das, former Director General of CII, for his pivotal role in enhancing Singapore-India relations. |
| Award Name | Honorary Citizen Award (Singapore’s highest honor for non-citizens). |
| Award Conferred By | President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore. |
| Year of Delegation Visit | 1993: Tarun Das led an Indian industrial delegation to Singapore, marking a milestone in India’s “Look East” policy. |
| Previous Recognition | Singapore Public Service Medal, awarded to Tarun Das in 2004. |
| Key Initiatives | India-Singapore Strategic Dialogue (launched to foster business, policy, and academic collaboration). |
| Foundation Role | Director, Singapore-India Partnership Foundation, promoting youth and academic exchanges. |
| Award Ceremony Date | January 15, 2025. |
| Significance of Award | Recognizes non-citizens who make outstanding contributions to Singapore’s growth and international ties. |
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