PM arrives in Singapore on two-day official visit

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived here on his maiden official visit to Singapore during which the two countries will sign an agreement to elevate their relations to strategic partnership.

"Reached Singapore...," Modi tweeted as he landed here.

Modi arrived here on the second leg of his two-nation trip after wrapping up his three-day visit to Malaysia during which he attended the ASEAN and East Asia Summits besides holding talks with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak.

During his Singapore visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

An official welcome ceremony will be held for Modi tomorrow, the final day of his two-day visit.

The two premiers will sign the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership to boost bilateral ties.

"The Strategic Partnership will broaden and deepen ties across various sectors including defence relations, economic and cultural cooperation, skills development and capacity building," said Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Modi's visit also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India this year, and underscores the excellent and longstanding ties between the two countries.

"To mark this milestone, the two Prime Ministers will unveil a commemorative joint stamp issue," it said in a statement.

Modi will also address an Indian community event and meet with the business community members.

He will deliver a Special Address at the India-Singapore Economic Convention hosted by Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaran tomorrow and interact with Singapore business leaders.

In addition, Prime Minister Modi will visit ITE (technical) College Central together with Prime Minister Lee, where he will learn more about Singapore's approach to vocational education and skills training.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and senior officials from the Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of External Affairs.