Singapore's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong extended heartfelt congratulations to India on its 76th Republic Day. In their messages to India's leadership, they emphasized the robust partnership between the two nations and acknowledged India's remarkable transformation over the years. The leaders highlighted India's progress in uplifting the rural poor, fostering a burgeoning middle class, and setting the stage to become the world's third-largest economy.
Singapore and India share a close friendship marked by "extraordinary efforts" to enhance their citizens' lives. The two countries have made significant strides in implementing initiatives discussed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Singapore last September. This relationship underscores the mutual commitment to growth and development across various sectors.
"I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow from strength to strength," said Singapore's Prime Minister, Lawrence Wong.
India's meteoric rise as the fifth-largest economy in the world further underscores its potential for future growth. Singapore remains committed to supporting India's ambitious social and economic goals, which include electrifying villages, providing clean cooking gas, and improving healthcare facilities.
"India has seen remarkable transformation, that has uplifted the lives of hundreds of millions, including the rural poor, and created a burgeoning middle class. It has set ambitious social and economic goals for the future, and is on track to achieve them," stated Mr. Tharman.
The partnership extends into "forward-looking areas" such as developing India's semiconductor ecosystem, industrial parks, connectivity, renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives. These collaborative efforts highlight both nations' commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and driving innovation.
In addition to economic collaboration, Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed his anticipation of visiting India to further deepen bilateral relations. He welcomed India's continued engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), recognizing India's pivotal role in regional peace, prosperity, and stability.
"I am happy to note that our relations have grown significantly, underpinned by wide-ranging cooperation in trade, finance, education, and defence amongst others," remarked Lawrence Wong.
The relationship between Singapore and India has reached new heights with the establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit in September 2024. This partnership aims to explore new pillars like sustainability, digitalization, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity.
"They are now on a new trajectory, with the two nations having embarked on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore in September 2024," said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
President Tharman expressed optimism for many more decades of collaboration between the two nations. He also wished Prime Minister Modi and the people of India a joyous celebration of Republic Day and continued success.
"Singapore believes in India’s future. We will continue to support and invest in India’s growth and development in fields of mutual interest, and look forward to many more decades of close partnership," conveyed President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
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