Singapore–India Desk

Indian counsel for Singapore law firms, SIAC arbitrations, and Singapore-based investors in India

Singapore is one of the most important nodes in the India cross-border legal landscape. It is the leading seat of arbitration for India-related disputes (SIAC regularly ranks Indian parties among its top user groups), a major source of FDI into India (consistently in the top three), and home to a significant Indian business community and several India-focused investment funds. The India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and an updated tax treaty (effective 2017, which removed capital gains exemption) shape the investment framework. RevLaw's Singapore Desk is specifically designed for Singapore law firms acting in SIAC arbitrations with an Indian nexus and for Singapore-based PE/VC funds with Indian portfolio companies.

Bilateral Context

Singapore's investment into India is typically routed through holding structures in Singapore that have historically benefited from the CECA and the India-Singapore DTAA. The 2017 amendment to the DTAA removed the capital gains exemption on pre-2017 structures — this had significant implications for Singapore-routed FDI and remains a live issue for existing investments. Singapore is also India's largest source of FDI when inflows are measured on a gross basis. SIAC is the preferred arbitral institution for a large proportion of India-related cross-border contracts, and India's courts have been broadly supportive of enforcement.

Typical Mandates

SIAC arbitration — Indian co-counsel for Singapore firms: Indian law arguments, Section 9 interim measures, witness preparation

Singapore PE/VC fund investment into Indian portfolio companies — SHA, FEMA, and Companies Act compliance

India-Singapore DTAA structuring advisory for cross-border investments

Enforcement of SIAC awards in India under the New York Convention

Singapore holding company governance for India-focused investment structures

Inbound M&A: Singapore strategic buyer acquiring Indian target company

Key Legal Frameworks

SIAC Rules 2016 (6th Edition)

Singapore International Arbitration Centre rules — the most frequently used institutional rules for India-related arbitrations.

India-Singapore DTAA (amended 2017)

Capital gains exemption removed for investments made after 1 April 2017; existing investments grandfathered under Limitation of Benefits.

India-Singapore CECA

Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement providing for preferential tariffs and services commitments.

New York Convention 1958

Singapore awards are enforceable in India as foreign awards; Section 47–49 Arbitration & Conciliation Act 1996.

Get in Touch with the Singapore–India Desk

Write to us or book a call to discuss your SINGAPORE–India matter.

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