PM Modi Engages with Singapore President on Futuristic Sectors
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Synopsis
On January 16, PM Modi met Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam to explore futuristic sectors like semiconductors and digitalisation. The meeting highlights the strong ties and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore.
Key Takeaways
- Discussion on futuristic sectors such as semiconductors and digitalisation.
- Reinforcement of India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Singapore is India's largest investor.
- Ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
- Focus on collaboration in industry, infrastructure, and culture.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) In a pivotal meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened with the President of Singapore, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, on Thursday evening to explore discussions regarding the ‘futuristic sectors’.
Earlier this evening, I met with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Our dialogue encompassed the entire spectrum of the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,
PM Modi mentioned on X.
He further elaborated, “We deliberated on progressive sectors such as semiconductors, digitalisation, skill development, connectivity, and beyond. Moreover, we discussed avenues to enhance collaboration in industry, infrastructure, and culture.”
Before the discussions, President Shanmugaratnam received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, graced by both President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi.
This visit, marking his inaugural trip as President of Singapore, coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
After his ceremonial welcome, the Singapore President remarked, “We will always remember that India was among the first nations to acknowledge Singapore’s independence in 1965, laying the groundwork for our evolving relationship. This partnership between the small nation of Singapore and the larger nation of India is natural, and we continuously seek ways to collaborate for mutual benefit.”
Highlighting the robust bilateral relations, he noted that Singapore is India’s largest investor, with defense ties also demonstrating significant growth.
Stressing that the leaders of both nations “see eye-to-eye,” Shanmugaratnam emphasized their joint efforts in digitalisation and sustainability.
Arriving in New Delhi on Tuesday evening, he engaged in high-level talks on Wednesday.
The External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, met the visiting President to discuss critical areas of bilateral cooperation, including semiconductors, industrial parks, skill development, digitalisation, and trade enhancement.
“I was pleased to meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam of Singapore today. Our discussions centered on our collaboration in semiconductors, industrial parks, skill development, digitalisation, and trade enhancement. I am optimistic that this state visit will inject new energy into our comprehensive strategic partnership,” Jaishankar posted on X after their meeting.
Accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, parliamentarians, and officials, President Shanmugaratnam is slated to conduct bilateral meetings with President Murmu and Prime Minister Modi later today. Following his engagements in New Delhi, he plans to visit Odisha from January 17-18.
The Ministry of External Affairs underscored the strong relationship between the two countries, which is founded on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. The partnership was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024.
Previously, Prime Minister Modi had acknowledged the strength of bilateral cooperation across various sectors during his visit to Singapore, noting the potential for further collaboration, especially in social and digital investments and India’s rise as a leading global growth hub.
