INDIA and Singapore on Thursday unveiled a roadmap to expand their comprehensive strategic partnership with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong underlining the need to bolster the ties to navigate the current geopolitical turbulence in the world. Modi and Wong, who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday, held wide-ranging talks covering the entire expanse of the bilateral ties. India-Singapore relations go far beyond diplomacy, Modi said in Wong’s presence. The Prime Minister said both sides decided that cooperation between the two countries in areas of artificial intelligence, quantum and other digital technologies will be enhanced. “We share common concerns regarding terrorism,” Modi said in his statement to the media.

 

“We believe that fighting against terrorism with unity is the duty of all countries which believe in humanity,” he added. Modi said the partnership between the two countries is rooted in shared values and it is guided by mutual interests and a common vision for peace and prosperity. On his part, Wong said in a world marked by uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important. PM Modi, Singapore PM virtually inaugurate 2nd phase of JNPort PSA Terminal: PRIME Minister Narendra Modi, along with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, on Thursday virtually inaugurated the second phase of the JNPort PSA Terminal (BMCT). Following this, the terminal’s total container handling capacity would stand at 4.8-million TEUs. The country’s premier container port handles five major dedicated container terminals operated by global market leaders with a deep draft of 15+ metres, with the capability of handling 18,000 TEU vessel.

 

The event was also attended by Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur, Managing Director PSA India Gobu Selliaya, and JNPA Chairman Unmesh Sharad Wagh. Jaishankar meets PM Wong: EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday called on Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in New Delhi and discussed the strengthening of bilateral relations, expressing confidence that ties between the two nations will further deepen following Wong’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Taking to X, Jaishankar posted, “Pleased to call on PM Lawrence Wong of Singapore this morning in Delhi. Appreciate his constant encouragement for the strengthening of India-Singapore ties.”

 

Wong is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with PM Modi later in the day. “Confident that his talks later today with PM Narendra Modi will chart a roadmap for our contemporary ties,” Jaishankar added. Following the meeting, Wong also shared his remarks on X, stating, “With India External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar -- we discussed regional camp; global developments, and the good progress in India-SG cooperation.” Wong arrived in India on Tuesday on a three-day official visit, marking a significant moment in the evolving strategic partnership between the two countries. This is his first visit to India since assuming office, and he is accompanied by his wife and a high-level delegation including Cabinet Ministers and senior officials. The Singaporean Prime Minister will also call on President Droupadi Murmu after his meeting with PM Modi. Earlier on Tuesday, Wong met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to discuss cooperation in the fields of health and finance. The visit is expected to see the signing of several high-level agreements across diverse sectors, including 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 the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore in September 2024, bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated. Wong’s visit also coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to strengthening the partnership further. “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. The two Prime Ministers will also engage on regional and international issues of mutual interest,” the MEA added.