Defence push: India, Singapore discuss key bilateral issues ahead of PM Modi's visit

NEW DELHI: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit next month, India and Singapore on Monday discussed key bilateral issues including defence and decided to revive the Joint Working Group on intelligence cooperation to combat terrorism.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan co-chaired the 4th Joint Commission Meeting during which they discussed ways to boost maritime cooperations, trade ties and cyber security among other strategic issues, setting a stage for Modi's visit from November 23.

Singapore was also invited to be a special invitee at the India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) from October 26 to be held here. India has only invited only two countries as special invitees for IAFS - Singapore and UAE.

"The two ministers have decided on the revival of the Joint Working Group on Intelligence Cooperation on Combating Terrorism and Transnational Organised Crime which was institutionalised in 2004," an official source said.

According to official sources, during the discussions, the two sides outlines a 'five S' strategy to ramp up bilateral ties - Scaling up trade and investments, Speeding up of air, maritime connectivity, Skill development, Smart city and urban rejuvenation and State focus in enhancing cultural ties.

They agreed to strengthen defence ties with a special focus on maritime security and coastguard cooperation.

Both the sides also stressed better connectivity between India and ASEAN and in this regard also underlined the need for Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Singapore also reiterated its support for India's bid for membership in the UN Security Council.

The leaders also hoped that Modi's visit will impart further momentum to the bilateral ties.