Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s significant visit to Singapore on September 4, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has highlighted the special bond India shares with the Asian nation, emphasizing the ideal timing for elevating bilateral ties to new heights. Jaishankar’s remarks come in anticipation of Modi’s visit, which follows his historic trip to Brunei Darussalam, making him the first Indian leader to visit the country.
In an exclusive interview with The Straits Times, Jaishankar praised Singapore’s role in leveraging the evolving global landscape, noting that India has undergone rapid growth and modernization over the past decade. “Beyond the bilateral, there is also the issue of closer collaboration in a volatile and uncertain world,” Jaishankar said. “Prime Minister Modi has always had a special sentiment for Singapore, and that leadership connect will matter more than ever before.”
Jaishankar reflected on the evolution of India-Singapore relations since they established diplomatic ties in 1965, and the need to adapt these relations to current global realities. He emphasized that the partnership is based on “a high degree of trust and understanding,” and that it is time to advance to the next level of cooperation.
During Modi’s visit, he will meet with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and other leaders to strengthen trade and defense relations. This visit coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of recognizing India’s recent growth, recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and rapid advancements in digital technologies. He specifically mentioned the potential in areas such as semiconductors, green technologies, and electric mobility.
Jaishankar also addressed India’s broader regional strategy, noting that while ties with Gulf countries have grown, it does not detract from India’s commitment to ASEAN. “The fact is that India – as the most populous country and currently the fifth-largest economy – will necessarily have multi-directional engagements. The world is not a zero-sum game for us,” he asserted.
The visit marks a significant moment as India and Singapore approach the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of their Strategic Partnership. Jaishankar expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, noting that Singapore remains central to India’s Act East policy. The visit is expected to build on robust trade, investment, and defense ties, while also exploring new areas of collaboration under the India-Singapore Ministerial Round Table framework.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that Modi’s visit, the first in six years, will offer an opportunity to further engage with Singapore’s leadership and strengthen the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. “Our trade and investment flows have shown steady growth, we have robust defense cooperation and growing exchanges in culture and education, and we have identified new anchors of our partnership,” said Jaideep Mazumdar, MEA Secretary (East).
As PM Modi embarks on this pivotal visit, the anticipation is high for further advancements in the India-Singapore relationship, reflecting a shared vision for a more dynamic and collaborative future.