Focus On Enhancing Strategic Partnership As Singapore President Begins India Visit

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday evening for his first State Visit to India as President. The visit coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada welcomed President Tharman at the airport.

The State Visit, from January 14 to 18, will include high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. President Droupadi Murmu will host President Tharman for talks and a banquet in his honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet him following a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Thursday.

President Tharman is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers, parliamentarians, and senior officials. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other dignitaries will also meet him. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the visit’s significance, noting that India-Singapore relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s 2024 visit to Singapore.

President Tharman will also visit Odisha on January 17-18 to explore areas of mutual cooperation. The MEA expressed confidence that his visit would add momentum to the relationship, which is grounded in friendship, trust, and mutual respect.

Celebrating Decades Of Collaboration

Prime Minister Modi has consistently praised the progress in bilateral cooperation with Singapore. After his 2024 visit, he acknowledged the growing ties, posting, “It will certainly add vigour to bilateral ties and benefit the people of our nations.”

In their previous discussions, President Tharman and PM Modi reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in social, digital, and economic sectors. They also discussed India’s emergence as a global growth centre, driven by innovation and investments across its vast population.

This State Visit underscores the enduring friendship between Singapore and India and sets the stage for further collaboration in the years ahead.

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