Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong at Hyderabad House on Thursday, marking a major step forward in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. The meeting coincided with the 60th anniversary of India–Singapore diplomatic relations.
Condolences Over Pahalgam Attack
PM Modi thanked Wong and the Singapore government for expressing condolences over the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. “We have common concerns about terrorism. It is the duty of all humanitarian countries to fight terrorism in solidarity,” Modi said, calling for collective global action against terror.
Key Agreements Signed
The two leaders witnessed the inauguration of the second phase of PSA International’s Mumbai Container Terminal and announced cooperation in green and digital shipping corridors to boost green fuel supply chains and digital port clearance. New agreements were signed in:
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Space collaboration (launches, research, satellite development)
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Advanced manufacturing and skilling
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Digital technologies including AI and quantum computing
Additionally, 13 new Indian banks have joined the UPI–PayNow cross-border payment system, and the next India–Singapore Hackathon will be held later this year.
Trade and Investment Roadmap
Both sides agreed to a time-bound review of the Bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) and India’s ASEAN free trade pact to accelerate trade. Singapore, India’s largest Southeast Asian trading partner and top FDI source (accounting for nearly a quarter of inflows), also reaffirmed support for GIFT City, semiconductor research, and a National Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Chennai.
Statements from Leaders
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PM Modi: Described India–Singapore ties as a “partnership with purpose, rooted in shared values and a common vision for peace, progress, and prosperity.” He highlighted cooperation in civil nuclear energy, urban water management, and advanced technology sectors.
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PM Wong: Expressed gratitude for the warm welcome, noting India’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest economy. He emphasized that people-to-people ties remain the “bedrock” of bilateral relations and announced a new MoU on space collaboration, citing that over 20 Singapore-made satellites have already launched from India.
Tribute at Rajghat
Wong and his wife Loo Tze Lui also paid homage at Rajghat, laying a wreath in honor of Mahatma Gandhi. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “Bapu’s universal ideals of truth and non-violence continue to inspire us.”
