Singapore PM Condemns Anti-Indian Racism Over Air India Debate
Lawrence Wong Warns Online Hate Could Deepen Mistrust And Hurt Social Cohesion
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has strongly condemned racist and anti-Indian comments that emerged online amid discussions over Singapore Airlines' (SIA) investment in Air India, warning that such prejudice must not be allowed to become normalised in the multiracial city-state.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Wong said Singapore's identity must remain “open and inclusive” and stressed that legitimate public debate should never be used as a cover for hostility towards any community or foreigners.
Wong was referring to racist comments made about Singaporeans who remain missing following devastating floods in Nepal, as well as anti-Indian abuse that accompanied online discussions over SIA's investment in Air India.
“We can and should have robust debates. But we should never use seemingly legitimate arguments as a cover to fuel prejudice against any community or hostility towards foreigners,” Wong said.
He warned that such comments should not be dismissed as harmless online chatter, saying unchecked racist behaviour could become normalised, deepen mistrust between communities and weaken Singapore's social cohesion.
Senior Minister and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam has also condemned the comments, describing them as “shameful”, “nasty” and “totally unacceptable”. He said police were investigating the posts and that the Ministry of Digital Development and Information would ask social media platforms to remove comments that violate established guidelines.
Shanmugam said the controversy surrounding Air India's efforts to raise additional funds from shareholders, including SIA, had triggered a wave of anti-Indian rhetoric online. He also said an online campaign had targeted Temasek's chief executive and senior management over their ethnicity, with some accusing the Indian-origin CEO of favouring Air India because of his background.
The remarks come as Air India seeks additional financial support from its shareholders. A Reuters report cited by CNA said the airline was seeking around USD 1.5 billion from Tata Sons and SIA after reporting a record annual loss. SIA holds a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India.
Wong recalled earlier instances of anti-foreigner and racial sentiment during the Covid-19 pandemic, debates over the Singapore-India CECA agreement and the 2025 General Election. He said attempts to exploit racial and religious differences had surfaced repeatedly.
The prime minister urged Singaporeans to reject such efforts and uphold the principles of the National Pledge, regardless of race, language or religion.
Wong said authorities could not prevent every hateful comment from appearing online, but Singaporeans could choose not to amplify or legitimise such views. He stressed that Singapore had remained united by rejecting attempts to divide society along racial and religious lines and urged citizens to continue making that choice.
