EAM Jaishankar Sets Stage for PM Modi’s Visit to Singapore, Urges Elevation of Bilateral Ties

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Sept. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his official visit to Singapore, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for India and Singapore to elevate their already robust bilateral relationship to the next level. Speaking ahead of the visit, Jaishankar highlighted the ongoing transformation in India and the evolving global landscape as key reasons for a renewed partnership between the two nations.

In an interview with The Straits Times, Mr. Jaishankar noted that India’s bilateral ties with Singapore have been “extremely strong” over the past two decades. He urged Singapore to seize the moment and fully utilize the new opportunities presented by India’s rapid growth and modernization.

“Given the transformation underway in India and the changes in the world, they need to become more contemporary. In many ways, that is why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen to visit Singapore so early in his third term,” Mr. Jaishankar said.

The minister stressed that beyond bilateral ties, the two countries must collaborate more closely in a volatile and uncertain global environment. He pointed out that the partnership between India and Singapore is built on a high degree of trust and understanding, enabling both nations to share assessments and explore convergences.

Reflecting on Singapore’s pivotal role in India’s ‘Look East’ policy and its current central role in the ‘Act East’ policy, Mr. Jaishankar underscored the importance of Singapore in India’s Indo-Pacific engagement. He also pointed to emerging domains such as security, connectivity, technology, and sustainability as key areas for collaboration.