“India to accelerate infrastructure development…”: Short excerpts from PM’s visit to Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to India on Thursday evening after a “results-oriented visit to Singapore.” The countries signed agreements to develop talent in chip design and manufacturing and facilitate Singaporean technology investments in India during the two-day trip. Modi also met Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his counterpart Lawrence Wong.

“Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Lawrence Wong held productive discussions today. They explored ways to further deepen the India-Singapore partnership in key sectors including technology, healthcare, trade, skills development and others,” reads an update shared by the PMO on X.

Modi presented Singapore as a role model for developing countries and said India wanted to create “a few Singapores of its own”.

The two leaders also visited AEM Holdings’ semiconductor manufacturing facilities and held talks with officials there, which was significant in the context of increasing trade opportunities between the two friendly countries.

The Prime Minister met interns from both the countries — students from Singapore who completed internships under the India Ready Talent Programme and students from Odisha who are working in Singaporean companies.

“We had a very good meeting with Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of Singapore. Our talks focused on the full range of bilateral relations between our two nations. We discussed key sectors like skill development, sustainable development, technology, innovation and connectivity,” Modi wrote on X after speaking to the Indian-origin economist.

According to a PMO statement, their “discussions focused on advancing cooperation between India and Singapore in various sectors such as advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.” Modi also appreciated Tharman’s passionate support for the India-Singapore partnership and praised the “long-standing friendship and cooperation” between the two countries.

He met with former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and discussed issues such as green energy and FinTech where the two countries could cooperate.

“It is always a pleasure to meet my friend and former Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Hsien Loong. He has always been a strong advocate of close ties between India and Singapore. His insights on various issues are also very enriching. We had a great discussion on how our nations can cooperate in future areas like green energy, FinTech etc,” Modi wrote on X.

The Indian leader also met with 81-year-old retired minister Goh Chok Tong – the city-state’s second prime minister.

PM Modi interacted with top business leaders and CEOs in Singapore, highlighting economic reforms and policy initiatives to improve India’s business landscape. Discussions focused on fostering innovation across sectors, exploring new avenues for collaboration and growth.

He also invited the CEOs to the SEMICIONB India exhibition and conference to be held in India from September 11 to 13.

(With agency guidance)