Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's arrival in Singapore for an official visit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said the time is ripe for the two countries to take their bilateral ties to the next level.
“Given the transformation that is happening in India and the changes in the world, they need to become more modern. In many ways, that is why Prime Minister Modi chose to visit Singapore so early in his third term. India,” he said Bilateral relations with Singapore “have been very strong over the past two decades”.
The minister said that just as Singapore was given an opportunity in 1992 and 2006, it should seize the moment and make the most of the new landscape. “Sometimes, to be honest, I think your final impression is a bit outdated,” Jaishankar pointed out. “In India, we are using the achievements of the past decade as a springboard to accelerate the growth and modernization of the country,” the minister said.
Beyond bilateral relations, there is the issue of strengthening cooperation in a volatile and uncertain world. “In this regard, we must recognize that our partnership is based on a high level of trust and understanding,” the minister said. “These characteristics allow us to share assessments and explore our points of convergence,” he added.
Jaishankar, who served as India's High Commissioner to Singapore and has a deep understanding of the city-state, stressed that the Prime Minister has always had a special affection for Singapore and that leadership connections will be more important than ever.
Replying to a question on India's desire to develop bilateral ties, the minister said: “We have come a long way since then. As I have indicated, the time is ripe for our relationship to move to a new stage, which reflects the The current reality in the country and the state of the world, in terms of Singapore's approach to India, can start by appreciating the growth of the past decade, the recovery from the COVID-19 epidemic and the rapid digitalization of the country, but also taking into account the progress of infrastructure, Manufacturing concerns and the supply of talent, the minister said.
The issues were also discussed at an India-Singapore ministerial roundtable held last week in the lead-up to Modi's visit to the city-state. “I would specifically pick out promising future technologies, such as semiconductors, green technologies and electric vehicles. We also need to think together about the future of connectivity and energy flows.
The minister also used the COVID-19 experience to highlight India's relevance to food and health security, saying, “As far as the global situation is concerned, we have now taken a comprehensive approach based on the Act East policy. Indo-Pacific commitment. Jaishankar said that a new balance is emerging and India will definitely play its role. “This is very much in the interest of Singapore and ASEAN. “Our relationship has an even greater role to play in an era when we will witness a deficit in the global commons,” he said. “
The minister also commented on the perception that India's main focus in its immediate neighborhood is now the Gulf region rather than ASEAN. “I would not take an 'either/or' attitude. Certainly, India's relations with the Gulf countries have really taken off in the last decade. “Earlier governments used to look at it narrowly in terms of trade, energy and diaspora. They. In contrast, the Modi government's policies have expanded to investment, technology, security and connectivity.
“We do feel that the contributions of our communities are more strongly recognized (in the Gulf). The complementarities of economies and demography are playing a greater role today. “But because of that, I wouldn’t draw any conclusions about ASEAN. Conclusion. In fact, our relationship has also deepened during this period. Jaishankar emphasized that India, as the most populous country and currently the fifth largest economy, is bound to engage in multi-faceted engagement. “The world is not a zero-sum game for us. and games. ” The minister also elaborated on how Singapore used to be the springboard for India’s “Look East” policy.
“Obviously, Singapore is at the heart of our Look East policy and plays an equally important role in our Act East policy. If you look at the new areas that reflect this evolution, Singapore has a strong presence in security, connectivity, Partnerships in technology and sustainable development are evident. The Act East policy is undoubtedly very positive for a number of reasons, he stressed, adding that Southeast Asia itself has untapped potential, its demographics and growth prospects. Make it a long-term partner.
“Imagine the changes that will be brought about by the completion of the Trilateral Expressway (planned to connect India, Myanmar and Thailand),” he noted. “This is also an indispensable relationship for India's participation in Indo-Pacific affairs. I predict a bright future with confidence. Modi will travel to Singapore on Wednesday. He said he looked forward to meeting President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, State Counselor Lee Hsien Loong and Goh Chok Tong retires as State Counselor. Modi will also meet with Singapore business leaders.
(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – PTI)
