PM Modi hails Singapore as a model for developing countries (Image source: Twitter)
Singapore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Thursday, Modi touted Singapore as a model for developing nations and said India wanted to create “several Singapores” of its own. During his talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Modi expressed confidence in the city-state’s fourth-generation leadership.
He said Singapore is not just a partner country, but serves as an inspiration to all developing nations.
“We also want to create several Singapores in India. I am glad that we are working together to achieve this goal. The ministerial roundtable we have set up is an innovative mechanism,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi congratulated the Prime Minister of the prosperous nation and said, “This is our first meeting since you assumed office as Prime Minister. I send you my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. I am confident that under the leadership of 4G, Singapore will make even faster progress.”
Wong was sworn in as Singapore’s new prime minister in May. The 51-year-old economist-turned-politician succeeded Lee Hsien Loong, 72, who stepped down after two decades; both belonged to the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), which has driven Singapore’s economic progress for more than five decades. Wong, who was a deputy prime minister, leads the fourth generation of PAP politicians as prime minister and finance minister.
Modi flew to Singapore on Wednesday after concluding his visit to Brunei, the first bilateral visit there by an Indian prime minister.
“Collaborative initiatives have been identified in areas such as skills training, digitalisation, mobility, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors and artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainability and cybersecurity,” said the prime minister, who is on a two-day visit to the Asian financial hub with the global business network.
Singapore is also an important enabler of India’s Act East policy, Modi said.
“Our shared belief in democratic values unites us. I am delighted to have the opportunity to visit Singapore at the start of my third term,” he said.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the strategic partnership between India and Singapore: “Over the last 10 years, our trade has more than doubled. Mutual investment has increased almost threefold to over $150 billion. Singapore was the first country with which we launched the UPI payment service.”
Talking about the progress in bilateral cooperation between the two countries, he said that in the last 10 years, 17 Singapore satellites have been launched from Indian soil. Cooperation has gained momentum from training to defence sector. The agreement between Singapore Airlines and Air India has strengthened connectivity.
“Together we are elevating our relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The 350,000 people of Indian origin residing in Singapore are the strong foundation of our relationship… We are eternally grateful to the entire Singapore for the place and honour that Subhash Chandra Bose, Azad Hind Fauj and Little India have been given in Singapore,” Modi said.
In 2025, the relationship between India and Singapore will celebrate its 60th anniversary. To mark this occasion in grand style, he called on both countries to work together to create an action plan.
“I am happy to inform you that India’s first Thiruvalluvar Cultural Centre will soon be inaugurated in Singapore. The great saint Thiruvalluvar conveyed guiding thoughts to the world in the oldest language, Tamil. His work, the Thirukkural, was composed nearly 2,000 years ago, but its ideas remain relevant even today,” Modi said.
Quoting Thiruvalluvar’s words: “Nayanodu Nanri Purind Payanudaiyar Panbu Paratattum Ulagu (The world admires those who are known for their sense of justice and service to others), the Prime Minister said he is confident that millions of Indians living in Singapore are also inspired by these ideas and are contributing to strengthening relations between the two countries.
Modi recalled that he had presented India’s vision for the Indo-Pacific in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue.
“We will continue to work with Singapore to promote regional peace, stability and prosperity. Once again, I sincerely thank you for the honour and warm hospitality you have extended to me,” he said.
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