Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon make an official visit to Singapore.
This statement was made following a high-level meeting aimed at advancing the strategic relations between India and Singapore.
On Monday, a four-member Indian delegation, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, participated in the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) to discuss bilateral cooperation and exchange views on mutual interests.
Describing the ministerial meeting as "positive," Balakrishnan stated that it has paved the way for Prime Minister Modi's official visit to Singapore.
He mentioned, "We are working on this as well, and we will soon announce Prime Minister Modi's official visit to Singapore. I can't provide the exact date yet, but it will be happening soon."
Balakrishnan added that advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, as well as aviation and maritime connectivity, are new areas that Singapore and India have included in their discussions on enhancing bilateral cooperation at this high-level forum.
On Monday, the Indian-origin minister stated that both countries wish to collaborate on advanced manufacturing and semiconductors. This is an area where India seeks significant expansion, and Singapore is contributing far beyond its capacity.
Singapore's Foreign Minister noted that there is tremendous potential for growth in India's aviation sector in the coming years, with India having placed orders for over 1,000 aircraft just last year.
He mentioned that this presents excellent opportunities for maintenance and aviation operations services in the future. This is another specific area where Singapore and its companies are globally competitive.
He added, “A country with over 1.4 billion people is now moving towards large-scale improvements in its aviation sector. This is a once-in-a-two-or-three-decade opportunity, and it is good that we are somewhat at the forefront and have the chance to collaborate.”
