By adbnu564 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Singapore for a pivotal two-day visit designed to bolster bilateral relations between India and Singapore. This visit follows a recent historic trip to Brunei and is part of New Delhi’s broader ‘Act East’ policy. Modi’s visit is a significant step in enhancing the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The visit marks PM Modi’s first trip to Singapore since 2018 and comes shortly after Lawrence Wong assumed office as Singapore’s Prime Minister. Modi’s visit is seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties early in his third term as India’s Prime Minister, with both leaders eager to advance mutual interests.
Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the importance of this visit. It is Modi’s first to Singapore early in his current term and follows Wong’s recent inauguration. This timing underscores the eagerness of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership.
Before arriving in Singapore, Modi expressed anticipation for discussions focused on advancing the strategic partnership, particularly in emerging areas like advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, and sustainable development. The visit also aims to address and build upon existing collaborative frameworks.
Accompanied by key officials including Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, PM Modi is set to engage with Singapore’s leadership across generations. Meetings are planned with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.
The visit will feature the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on manpower skilling in the semiconductor sector, maritime cooperation, and other critical areas such as trade, investment, and digitalisation. These agreements are expected to foster stronger bilateral ties and provide enhanced opportunities for both nations.
Singapore, a key trade partner and leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India, is set to benefit from these agreements. The cumulative FDI from Singapore to India has reached USD 160 billion since 2000, underscoring the deep economic connections between the two countries.
In addition to official meetings, PM Modi will participate in a visit to a semiconductor manufacturing facility, aiming to align the semiconductor ecosystems of both nations. The visit underscores the ongoing commitment to strengthening economic and strategic collaborations.
As Singapore prepares to host PM Modi for official ceremonies and discussions, the visit marks a significant chapter in the evolving India-Singapore strategic partnership, aiming to set the stage for future cooperation and mutual growth.