External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is visiting Singapore, on Friday called on President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, as well as met Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.
In posts on X, EAM said of his meetings:
“Called on President @Tharman_S of Singapore.
“Discussed the global political and economic scenario, and its implications for India and Singapore.”
On his meeting with the PM and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, he wrote:
“Delighted to meet PM & Finance Minister @LawrenceWongST today in Singapore. Conveyed warm greetings of PM @narendramodi.
“A fruitful discussion on advancing our technology, skilling and industrial partnership. Also spoke about our engagement in regional forums.”
The Singapore PM wrote of the meeting:
“Happy to catch up with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar so soon after his September 2024 visit with PM Narendra Modi’s delegation. He updated me on the good progress India and Singapore made on new areas of cooperation, such as skills training and industrial parks.
“We also exchanged views on global developments. India & Singapore are like minded partners with many common interests. We’re working to upgrade our ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. I look forward to commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.”
EAM also met the Defence Minister:
“Good to meet Defence Minister @Ng_Eng_Hen of Singapore today.
“Shared perspectives on the Indo – Pacific security situation and bilateral defence cooperation.”
On his meeting with the Foreign Minister, he wrote:
“Always a pleasure meeting my good friend FM @VivianBala”.
“Appreciated the progress in our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Shared perspectives on regional and global developments.”
Earlier in the day he met the Singapore Deputy PM and Minister for Trade Gan Kim Yong.
“Started my visit to Singapore by meeting DPM & Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong.
“Discussed taking forward contemporary India-Singapore partnership, with a focus on industrial parks, green energy, skilling, innovation and semiconductors.”
He also delivered the keynote address at the 8th Roundtable of ASEAN – India Network of Think – Tanks in Singapore.
