Singapore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived here on Wednesday for his fifth official visit to the Southeast Asian country at the invitation of his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong, met his counterpart. His visit came hours after he wrapped up his visit to Brunei.
A photograph captured the bonhomie between the two leaders who were captured with their arms thrown around each other's shoulders.
"Welcome PM @narendramodi to Singapore! Delighted to have the chance to catch up over a meal at the Istana, before the official meetings tomorrow," Singaporean PM wrote on the social media platform. Notably, Istana is the official residence and office of the president of Singapore.
"Happy to have met my friend, PM Lawrence Wong. Had an excellent discussion on a wide range of issues. India cherishes the friendship with Singapore," PM Modi replied to his Singaporean counterpart's post.
"Thank you, Singapore! The welcome was truly vibrant"
Earlier today, he landed in Singapore. Subsequently, he took to social media platform X, PM Modi said, "Landed in Singapore. Looking forward to the various meetings aimed at boosting the India-Singapore friendship. India's reforms and the talent of our Yuva Shakti make our nation an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to closer cultural ties."
PM Modi was seen giving autographs to members of the community. He also tried his hand at playing the dhol. He later posted on his X platform, "Thank you Singapore! The welcome was truly vibrant."
Notably, PM Modi, who last visited Singapore in 2018, was accompanied by Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other government officials. Apart from meeting Wong, Modi would call on Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Wong and Lee will host Modi with separate meals.
”I look forward to my discussions to deepen our Strategic Partnership with Singapore, particularly in new and emerging areas of advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development,” Modi said in his departure statement ahead of his visit.
PM Modi's Day 2 plan
Notably, PM Modi will hold bilateral talks with Wong on Thursday and witness the exchange of several memorandums of understanding. The prime minister will receive an official welcome at the Parliament House on Thursday and call on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
This visit comes days after Wong took over and Modi began his third term as prime minister. “The leaders will review the progress of India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement said ahead of his departure for Brunei and Singapore.
This visit will build synergies in the semiconductor ecosystems of Singapore and India. Both PMs will visit a semiconductor manufacturing facility, officials said. They said MoUs will be signed for cooperation in manpower skilling in the semiconductor sector. From skilling centres to training and recruitment by Singapore firms, this will help India’s youth with better skills and opportunities, officials added.
