Singapore PM hosts informal dinner with PM Modi at Istana ahead of official talks
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his delight in hosting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an informal dinner at the Istana on Wednesday evening. This gathering sets the stage for formal discussions scheduled for Thursday, aimed at deepening the bilateral relationship between Singapore and India.
In a social media post on X, Prime Minister Wong shared a photograph with PM Modi, stating, “Welcome PM Narendra Modi to Singapore! Delighted to have the chance to catch up over a meal at the Istana, before the official meetings tomorrow.”
PM Modi’s visit is expected to bolster economic cooperation, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. Upon arriving in Singapore earlier in the day, PM Modi was warmly greeted by Prime Minister Wong with a friendly embrace, a moment captured in a photograph showing the two leaders with their arms around each other.
PM Modi took to his X handle to share his excitement: “Landed in Singapore. Looking forward to the various meetings aimed at boosting the India-Singapore friendship. India’s reforms and the talent of our Yuva Shakti make our nation an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to closer cultural ties.”
The Indian Prime Minister was received at Changi Airport by Singapore’s Minister for Home Affairs and Law, K. Shanmugam, and greeted enthusiastically by members of the Indian community. PM Modi interacted with the community, signing autographs and playing the dhol. He later posted, “Thank you, Singapore! The welcome was truly vibrant.”
During his visit, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with leaders from Singapore’s business sector, with several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) anticipated to be signed. These agreements are expected to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, P. Kumaran, highlighted the significance of the visit, noting in a video message on X, “This visit is important as it gives a major push to India’s Act East policy, India’s vision of the Indo-Pacific, and the India-Singapore economic and technological partnership.”
PM Modi’s visit follows the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held on August 26, where key areas for collaboration were identified, including digitization, skills development, sustainability, health, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity.
