Dr. S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, commences his visit to Singapore with tributes to historical figures and promising discussions on business and bilateral relations.
External Affairs Minister of the Republic of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, embarked on a significant visit to Singapore from March 23 to 25, 2024. This visit was marked by a tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA) at the INA Marker in Singapore, symbolizing the deep historical ties and mutual respect between India and Singapore.
Dr. Jaishankar’s agenda was densely packed with meetings and interactions that aimed to strengthen the multifaceted relationship between the two countries. His visit underscored both nations’ commitment to deepening bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation, particularly in the fields of economic partnerships, security cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
During his stay, Dr. Jaishankar engaged in productive discussions with key figures from the Singaporean corporate sector, highlighting positive feedback on India’s growth story and the mutual benefits of strengthened economic ties. The corporate leaders expressed their commitment to expanding their business ventures in India, reflecting confidence in the robust economic relationship between the two countries.
A key milestone of the visit was the high-level meetings with several Singaporean officials, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, and Minister for Home Affairs and Law K Shanmugam. These meetings focused on a broad spectrum of topics ranging from trade and investment to technology and defense collaborations, highlighting the mutual interest in strengthening the economic and strategic partnership.
Another significant aspect of Dr. Jaishankar’s visit was his engagement with the academic and youth communities in Singapore. At the Global Indian International School (GIIS) SMART Campus, he addressed students and faculty, sharing insights into India’s foreign policy, the historical ties with Singapore, and the importance of innovation and global citizenship. This interaction emphasized the value of educational exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and respect among the younger generations of both countries.
The discussions during the visit also covered regional and global issues, reflecting the shared concerns and aspirations of India and Singapore in maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries recognized the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Furthermore, the visit provided a platform to discuss future collaborations, especially in the context of marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. The conversations revolved around enhancing cooperation in forward-looking areas such as digitalization, green energy, and the digital economy, underscoring the dynamic nature of the bilateral relationship.
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Singapore represented a reaffirmation of the strong and enduring ties between India and Singapore. Through a series of high-level meetings and public engagements, the visit highlighted both countries’ commitment to deepen their strategic partnership and explore new avenues of cooperation. As India and Singapore look forward to commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations, Dr. Jaishankar’s visit sets the stage for a future of enhanced collaboration and mutual growth, promising to benefit both nations in various spheres of interaction.
Source – MFA & Dr. S Jaishankar’s Facebook
