Singapore, Sept 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Singapore on Wednesday afternoon following invitation of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Upon arrival, PM Modi was greeted enthusiastically by the Indian diaspora, who welcomed him with traditional Maharashtrian dance and drum performances at the airport. The atmosphere was further energized when PM Modi joined in playing the dhol, adding to the festive mood.
Expressing his anticipation, PM Modi shared on X, “Landed in Singapore. Excited for the meetings ahead that aim to enhance the India-Singapore relationship. With India's reforms and our talented Yuva Shakti, we are an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to strengthening cultural ties.”
During his visit, PM Modi will engage in several meetings designed to bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations. The discussions are anticipated to focus on advancing cultural connections and enhancing people-to-people relationships.
Key areas of potential cooperation include digital innovation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing.
In his departure statement, PM Modi noted, “I am eager to meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. I will also engage with leaders from Singapore’s dynamic business community.”
The Prime Minister added that his visit aims to deepen the Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore, particularly in emerging sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development.
Earlier, a high-level Indian delegation, which included External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, participated in the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) in Singapore. The delegation had previously met Singapore's Prime Minister at the first ISMR in New Delhi in September 2022.
Following the recent meeting, Prime Minister Wong remarked, “It’s encouraging to see progress on several fronts since our last discussion. New ideas for cooperation, especially in advanced manufacturing and connectivity, are being pursued. These initiatives will strengthen our strategic partnership.”
PM Modi's visit is poised to further enhance the India-Singapore relationship, emphasizing both economic and cultural collaboration.
Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East at the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted Singapore's significance, stating, “Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN and a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI). As India’s sixth-largest global trade partner, Singapore has invested around 160 billion US dollars cumulatively since 2000.”
Mazumdar added that the interaction with business leaders during the Prime Minister’s visit will be a key element, providing CEOs with direct insights into India’s growth prospects and opportunities.
