Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong arrived in India late Tuesday evening on a three-day official visit, marking a significant milestone in the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations.
This is PM Wong’s first visit to India since assuming office. He is accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation, including cabinet ministers and senior officials.
During his visit, PM Wong is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, followed by a courtesy call on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On Wednesday, the Singaporean leader will pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other dignitaries will also meet PM Wong during his stay.
The visit is expected to witness the signing of several high-level agreements across sectors such as finance, digital innovation, skill development, civil aviation, maritime cooperation, and space technology.
“Singapore is an important partner for India, including in our ‘Act East’ Policy. During PM Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024, bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated.
PM Wong’s visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to further strengthen ties. The MEA noted, “The visit will provide an opportunity for both Prime Ministers to review our robust and multifaceted cooperation and to set the path for future collaboration. They will also engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest.”
Since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, India and Singapore have expanded collaboration in sustainability, advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, skill development, connectivity, and space. These efforts reflect a shared commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and building long-term resilience.
The visit follows the third India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) held in New Delhi on August 13, where ministers from both nations reviewed progress across six key pillars: Advanced Manufacturing, Connectivity, Digitalisation, Healthcare and Medicine, Skill Development, and Sustainability. Several new initiatives were identified to enhance cooperation in these areas.
-IANS