“CLOSE FRIENDSHIP”
In his letter to Mr Modi, Mr Wong said Singapore and India share a close friendship.
“I am happy to note that our relations have grown significantly, underpinned by wide-ranging cooperation in trade, finance, education, and defence amongst others. Through the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable, we are exploring collaboration in new pillars like sustainability, digitalisation, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity,” he added.
Mr Wong said he was delighted to host Mr Modi during his official visit to Singapore last September, and that both countries are making good progress in implementing the initiatives discussed.
“I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength,” said Singapore’s prime minister.
He noted that India is now the world’s fifth-largest economy and is projected to become the third largest in the coming years.
The country has made “extraordinary efforts” to improve the lives of its people – from electrifying villages and providing clean cooking gas, to building millions of household toilets and establishing primary healthcare and rural childcare centres.
Mr Wong also welcomed India’s continued engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), given the vital role India plays in peace, prosperity and stability in the region.
“We have made good progress in advancing ASEAN-India relations over the years, including the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022, when Singapore was the country coordinator for India,” said Mr Wong.
“We can continue to build on this partnership, especially in emerging areas like the digital and green economies.”
The prime minister said he looked forward to visiting India and continuing their conversation on how to further deepen relations between both countries.
He wished Mr Modi and the people of India a festive day of celebrations and many more years of success.
