Singapore’s top leaders have condemned a wave of racist and hateful comments targeting Indians online, with authorities launching a police investigation into some of the posts.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that toxic online sentiments should not be dismissed as harmless chatter, saying unchecked racism could damage trust between communities and weaken Singapore’s social unity.
The controversy reportedly intensified following the deadly floods in Nepal and Tibet, as well as discussions surrounding Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India. Some online comments used racist references to Indians, including remarks about “snakes”, “curry”, “black magic” and “parathas”.
Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam said the rise in anti-Indian comments was concerning and suggested that some of the racist content had originated from or been amplified by accounts outside Singapore.
“There is news that Air India will seek fresh equity from shareholders like Singapore Airlines. That has given rise to anti-Indian racist ranting online,” Shanmugam said.
He stressed that Singapore is a small, multiracial and multi-ethnic country, where divisions along racial or religious lines could create suspicion and damage the unity that has helped the country remain stable.
Police have been asked to examine the offensive comments. Shanmugam described some of the remarks as “shameful, nasty, and totally unacceptable”, adding that media organisations had removed several comments because of their extreme nature.
Wong, in a Facebook post, said Singaporeans should be able to engage in robust public debate, but legitimate disagreements must never be used as a cover for prejudice or hostility towards a community or foreigners.
He said an “uglier side” of online discourse had emerged after the Nepal floods, with racist comments directed at Singaporeans who remained missing following the disaster. Similar abuse later appeared in discussions about Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India.
The prime minister said such views did not represent Singapore but warned that allowing them to go unchecked could normalise hateful behaviour and deepen mistrust between communities.
Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong also criticised the anti-Indian abuse, calling it “deeply troubling”. He urged Singaporeans to respond to disasters with compassion and solidarity rather than hatred.
Lee said legitimate issues such as Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India should not be distorted to encourage racial resentment.
Singapore has a population of more than six million, with ethnic Chinese making up the majority, followed by Malays and Indians. The country has long promoted racial and religious harmony as a key part of its national identity.
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