The two countries also signed an agreement on Green and Digital Shipping corridors which will give significant momentum to the green fuel supply chain and digital port clearance in the maritime sector.
File Photo: ANI
Describing Singapore as a vital pillar of India’s Act East Policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said both the nations will continue to work together with ASEAN to advance their vision for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two countries also signed an agreement on Green and Digital Shipping corridors which will give significant momentum to the green fuel supply chain and digital port clearance in the maritime sector.
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Making a joint press statement after his official talks with visiting Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at Hyderabad House here, PM Modi said, “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.”
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He termed technology and innovation “strong pillars” of the partnership between India and Singapore and announced that both nations have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies.
PM Modi called UPI and PayNow “successful examples” of digital connectivity. He announced that India and Singapore have decided to review the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement and Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN in a time-bound manner.
“Technology and innovation are the strong pillars of our partnership. We have decided to enhance cooperation in AI, quantum, and other digital technologies. The agreement in the space sector today is adding a new chapter to cooperation in the field of space science.
“We have decided to hold the next round of the India-Singapore Hackathon later this year to connect our youth with their talent. UPI and PayNow are successful examples of our digital connectivity, and it is a matter of pleasure that 13 new Indian banks have joined them today,” he said.
“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,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister further said India and Singapore 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,” he said.
“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,” PM Modi said.
Extending a warm welcome to the Singaporean leader, PM Modi said: “I extend a warm welcome to Prime Minister Wong on his first visit to India since assuming office. This visit is all the more special as this year we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our relations.”
“Last year, during my visit to Singapore, we elevated our relations to the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In this one year, our dialogue and cooperation have gained speed and depth. Today, Singapore is our largest trade partner in the Southeast Asia region. There has been a large-scale investment from Singapore in India. Our defence relations are continuously getting stronger,” the Prime Minister said.
“People-to-people relations are deep and vibrant. Today, we have prepared a detailed roadmap for the future of our partnership. Our cooperation will not be limited to traditional areas only. In keeping with the changing times, areas like advanced manufacturing, green shipping, skilling, civil, nuclear and urban water management will also become the focal point of our cooperation,” he said.
He said the relations between India and Singapore “go beyond diplomacy”. “This is a partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values, guided by mutual interests, and driven by a common vision of peace, progress, and prosperity.”
“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,” PM Modi said.
Meanwhile, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted the significance of the India-Singapore partnership in the current global context while addressing the joint press conference at Hyderabad House in the national capital.
“In a world marked by great uncertainty and turbulence, the partnership between India and Singapore becomes even more important because this is a partnership rooted in shared values, mutual respect and a deep reservoir of trust,” Wong said.
He emphasised the strength of the bilateral relationship, adding, “We can draw strength from our shared history and the friendship and trust between our peoples and together we can strengthen resilience, seize new opportunities and contribute to stability and growth in our region and beyond.”
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