Your Excellency Prime Minister Wong,
Delegates from both countries,
Friends from the media,
Namaskaar!

It gives me great pleasure to extend a heartfelt welcome to Prime Minister Wong on his first official visit to India since assuming office. This visit is especially momentous, as we mark the 60th anniversary of our diplomatic relations this year.

Friends,

During my visit to Singapore last year, we elevated our ties to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In the course of this year, our dialogue and cooperation have gained both momentum and depth.

Today, in the South East Asian region, Singapore stands as our largest trading partner. Singapore has made substantial investments in India. Our defense ties continue to grow stronger, and our people-to-people relations are both deep and vibrant.

Today, we have charted a detailed roadmap for the future of our partnership. Our cooperation will not remain confined to traditional areas. In keeping with the needs of changing times, advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil nuclear energy, and urban water management will also emerge as focus points of our collaboration.

We have resolved that, in order to further accelerate our bilateral trade, a time-bound review will be undertaken of our Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, as well as our Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN.

Our States will also play an important role in strengthening the bonds between India and Singapore. In January, during President Tharman’s visit to India, he also traveled to Odisha. Over the past year, the Chief Ministers of Odisha, Telangana, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh have visited Singapore. Gujarat’s GIFT City has now emerged as yet another link, connecting our stock markets.

Friends,

The Semiconductor Ecosystem Partnership Agreement, concluded last year, has given a new impetus to Research and Development. The enthusiastic participation of Singaporean companies in the ‘Semicon India’ Conference is, in itself, a matter of great significance.

In Chennai, Singapore will collaborate in establishing a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling. This Centre will focus on creating a skilled workforce in the field of advanced manufacturing.

Friends,

Technology and innovation are strong pillars of our partnership. We have agreed to expand our collaboration in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies. The agreement in space sector signed today marks a new chapter in our cooperation in space sciences. We have also decided to hold the next round of the India-Singapore Hackathon later this year, to connect and harness the talent of our youth.

‘UPI’ and ‘PayNow’ are shining examples of our successful digital connectivity. It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that 13 new Indian banks have now joined this initiative.

Today’s agreement on Green & Digital Shipping Corridors will give significant momentum to the green fuel supply chain and digital port clearance in the maritime sector. India is working at great speed to strengthen its port infrastructure, and Singapore’s expertise in this field is of immense value. Earlier today, we inaugurated Bharat Mumbai Container Terminal Phase-2, developed by Singapore’s SPA International. This milestone will further enhance our container handling capacity.

Friends,

Singapore is a vital pillar of our Act East Policy. Together, we will continue to advance cooperation with ASEAN and carry forward our Joint Vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

We share common concerns regarding terrorism. We firmly believe that it is the duty of all nations that value humanity to unite in the fight against this menace. In the aftermath of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, I express my deep gratitude to Prime Minister Wong and the Government of Singapore for their condolences to the people of India and for their steadfast support in our fight against terrorism.

Excellency,​

Our relations go far beyond diplomacy.

This is a partnership with purpose,

rooted in shared values,

guided by mutual interests,

and, driven by a common vision for peace, progress and prosperity.

I express my gratitude for your personal commitment to this partnership.

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's statement. Original statement was delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/VJ