NEW DELHI, Jan 16: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the visiting Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on Thursday for a productive discussion focused on their bilateral relationship.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs shared on X:
“Celebrating the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Fortifying India’s Act East policy.
“PM @narendramodi had a cordial and productive meeting with President
@Tharman_S of Singapore in New Delhi today.
“Building upon their discussions from their recent encounter in Singapore in September 2024, the leaders thoroughly evaluated their bilateral partnership. They also shared insights on regional and global matters of mutual concern.”
The spokesperson remarked on President Droupadi Murmu’s engagement with the Singaporean leader:
“Enhancing India-Singapore historic connections.
“President Droupadi Murmu @rashtrapatibhvn engaged in extensive conversations with President @Tharman_S of Singapore in New Delhi today.
“The talks explored opportunities to further enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Singapore.”
According to an official press statement:
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is on a State Visit to India from January 14-18, accompanied by his spouse, Jane Ittogi Shanmugaratnam. His delegation comprises Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National Development Sim Ann, Singaporean Members of Parliament, and additional officials. This marks President Tharman’s first State Visit to India.
President Tharman received a warm welcome from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was given a Ceremonial Guard of Honour. He also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.
During his visit, President Tharman had discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who hosted a banquet in his honour. The two leaders unveiled a joint logo celebrating the 60th anniversary of India-Singapore diplomatic relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Singaporean President, and during their meeting, they extensively reviewed their bilateral relations and discussed methods to strengthen the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also exchanged perspectives on regional and global issues significant to both nations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also met with President Tharman. Other ministers, including Nitin Gadkari (Minister of Road Transport and Highways), Jagat Prakash Nadda (Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers), Nirmala Sitharaman (Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs), Piyush Goyal (Minister of Commerce and Industry), Ashwini Vaishnaw (Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT), and Jayant Chaudhary (MoS for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and MoS for Education), engaged with President Tharman as well.
This State Visit initiates the celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore, showcasing a dynamic and multi-dimensional partnership.
President Tharman will visit Odisha during January 17-18.
As a vital partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and our aspirations for the Indo-Pacific, this visit comes after a significant year in India-Singapore relations, highlighted by Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024, which led to the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
(UNI)
