Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his pleasure in hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a casual dinner at the Istana, preceding their formal talks scheduled for Thursday. Wong shared a photo with Modi on his X handle, stating, "Welcome PM Narendra Modi to Singapore! It's a joy to have the opportunity to reconnect over dinner at the Istana before our official meetings tomorrow."
The anticipated meeting between the two leaders aims to enhance economic collaboration, trade, and cultural interactions between Singapore and India. Earlier, upon his arrival in Singapore for an official visit, Modi greeted Wong with a characteristic warm embrace, captured in a photograph showing the camaraderie between the two.
Earlier in the day, Modi posted on his X platform: "Arrived in Singapore. Eagerly anticipating the meetings that will strengthen the friendship between India and Singapore. India's reforms and the dynamism of our youth make it a prime investment destination. We also anticipate deeper cultural connections."
Following a significant visit to Brunei, Modi was welcomed at Changi Airport by Singapore's Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K Shanmugham, and received a heartfelt welcome from the Indian community. Modi interacted with community members, signing autographs and trying his hand at playing the dhol, later expressing his gratitude on X, "Thank you, Singapore! The reception was genuinely lively."
During his stay, Modi will engage with Singapore's active business leaders, and several MoUs are expected to be signed. This visit is pivotal as it significantly advances India's Act East policy, India's vision for the Indo-Pacific, and the economic and technological ties between India and Singapore, according to Jaiswal in a video message on X.
The visit follows a recent ministerial roundtable between India and Singapore, attended by four Union Ministers and six Singaporean ministers. Key areas identified during the August 26 roundtable include digitization, skills development, sustainability, health, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity.
