India, mon amour

Singapore has long had its Little India - a hive of goldsmiths, textile retailers and cheap lodgings - which is thronged by hundreds of migrant workers during the weekend. The historic quarter still bears the grime and dirt of years of neglect, giving it an authentic feel that most tourists seem to like.

A good portion of Singapore's population is of Indian descent, so it is not surprising that the government has been seeking closer ties with the rising powerhouse. But Singapore's love affair with all things Indian is really rooted more in the economic than the cultural sphere. The country recently signed the Comprehensive Economic Co-operation Agreement with New Delhi, which will cover nearly US$10 billion in trade by the end of the year.

Singaporean companies have been keen to ride the wave of Indian economic growth, investing billions of dollars in the country. Temasek, the government's investment arm, along with Sabre Capital, is planning a US$5 billion fund to invest in Indian equities as well as fixed-income instruments over the next five years. Last year alone, Temasek is believed to have spent US$1 billion buying stakes directly in several Indian companies. Meanwhile, the government's investment corporation is said to have about US$2 billion invested in India.

Singapore has been trying to tighten its ties with India on the political front, too. It supports New Delhi's claim for permanent membership on the UN Security Council - though it baulks at veto power for India or any other new members, for fear of paralysing UN decision-making.

Now, Bollywood glamour is about to descend on the city state. Scenes for the much-awaited sequel to the Indian blockbuster Koi Mil Gaya will be shot in Singapore between September and November. About 40 per cent of this new film, titled Krrish, has already been shot in India.

The hand of the Singapore Tourism Board is behind filmmaker Rakesh Roshan's decision to come to the country. Having your skyline freely advertised in a blockbuster movie can only help to draw tourists.