Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on an official visit to Singapore on September 4-5, aiming to elevate bilateral ties to an “entirely new level,” according to the Ministry of External Affairs. This visit marks Modi’s first trip to Singapore in six years and comes just two weeks after a high-level roundtable between top ministers of both nations. The visit is poised to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, with a particular focus on trade, investment, and technology.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the significance of this visit, noting that it comes at a pivotal time as both countries are keen to boost their collaboration, especially in the semiconductor sector. Secretary East, Jaideep Mazumdar, emphasized the importance of this visit for enhancing trade and investment ties. Singapore stands as India’s largest trade partner within the ASEAN region and a leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In the last financial year alone, Singapore invested $11.77 billion in India, making it the sixth-largest global trade partner for India.
During his two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi will address CEOs and business leaders in Singapore. This interaction is expected to play a crucial role in promoting India’s growth story and attracting further investment. The Prime Minister’s engagement with the business community is anticipated to bolster economic ties and foster new opportunities for collaboration.
Mazumdar noted that the visit is of great significance as it comes early in Modi’s current term and coincides with the recent appointment of Singapore’s new Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong. The timing of this visit is seen as an opportune moment to set the stage for the next phase of the vibrant bilateral relationship between India and Singapore. The two countries share a dynamic strategic partnership that spans various sectors, supported by a strong foundation of shared history and people-to-people connections.
This visit is expected to open new avenues for cooperation and reinforce the existing ties between the nations. As both countries look forward to future collaborations, the upcoming visit by Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to mark a new chapter in India-Singapore relations, fostering greater mutual growth and strategic alignment.