PM Modi’s Important Visit to Singapore: Strengthening India-Singapore Ties
By Rajnish Singh
Singapore, September 3: The agenda set during last week’s India-Singapore ministerial roundtable will be further strengthened during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Singapore, according to Indian High Commissioner Shipak Ambule.
Significance of the Visit
Ambule, who became the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore in July last year, described PM Modi’s visit as very important. This visit marks the beginning of PM Modi’s third term and coincides with the early phase of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s tenure. Ambule said, “This visit gives us a good opportunity to set the stage to take our relationships to a newer level and newer heights.”
Ministerial Roundtable and Key Areas
Last week, the India-Singapore ministerial roundtable included four Indian ministers and six Singaporean ministers. They identified key areas such as digitization, skills development, sustainability, health, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity. These areas will be further discussed and solidified during PM Modi’s visit.
Trade and Investment
Trade and investment are crucial aspects of the visit. Ambule noted that bilateral trade has more than doubled in the last 10 years. Singapore is the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in India. The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of encouraging more Singaporean companies to invest in emerging sectors in India, such as logistics, warehousing, commercial real estate, and ports.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Ambule highlighted that Singapore has been a key partner in India’s engagement with ASEAN nations. He mentioned that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the India-Singapore strategic partnership. The visit aims to enhance cooperation in advanced technology, manufacturing, green growth, and sustainability.
Upcoming Meetings and MoUs
PM Modi is expected to arrive in Singapore by September 4 evening after visiting Brunei. During his visit, he will meet Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He will also engage with leaders of Singapore’s business community and sign several memorandums of understanding (MoUs).
PM Modi stated, “I will also engage in discussions to deepen India’s strategic partnership with Singapore, particularly in new and emerging areas of advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development.”
Both Brunei and Singapore are important partners in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision.
Doubts Revealed
PM Modi -: PM Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the country and makes important decisions.
Singapore -: Singapore is a small but very rich country in Southeast Asia. It is known for its cleanliness and advanced technology.
High Commissioner -: A High Commissioner is like an ambassador. They represent their country in another country and help with relationships between the two.
Shipak Ambule -: Shipak Ambule is the Indian High Commissioner to Singapore. He helps India and Singapore work together.
Lawrence Wong -: Lawrence Wong is the Prime Minister of Singapore. He is the leader of Singapore and makes important decisions for the country.
Digitization -: Digitization means using digital technology to do things. For example, using computers and the internet to make things faster and easier.
Skills development -: Skills development means learning new things to do a job better. It helps people get better at their work.
Sustainability -: Sustainability means using resources in a way that does not harm the environment. It helps make sure we have enough for the future.
Advanced manufacturing -: Advanced manufacturing uses new technology to make things. It helps make products faster and better.
Connectivity -: Connectivity means how well things are connected. For example, good internet and transport links help people and businesses stay connected.
Foreign direct investment -: Foreign direct investment is when people or companies from one country invest money in another country. It helps create jobs and grow the economy.
