Vikrant Shekhawat : Aug 28, 2024, 06:00 AM
India-Singapore Relation: Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan recently announced that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon visit Singapore on an official visit. He said that the date of this visit is not yet fixed, but it is likely to happen soon. In the meeting, senior ministers of India and Singapore discussed areas such as advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aviation and maritime connectivity to enhance bilateral cooperation. Hinting at the growing partnership between the two countries, Balakrishnan said that with the expansion of India's aviation sector, new opportunities for cooperation will open up between Singapore and Indian companies.Date of PM Modi's visit not fixedDescribing this meeting of the ministers as "positive", Balakrishnan said that this has also set the stage for Prime Minister Modi's official visit to Singapore. He said here, "We are also working on this because very soon we will also announce the official visit of Prime Minister Modi to Singapore. I cannot tell you the exact date, but it is going to happen soon." Balakrishnan said advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, as well as aviation and maritime connectivity, are new areas that Singapore and India have included at this high-level forum to discuss ways to enhance bilateral cooperation.Growing partnership with India in many areasOn Monday, the Indian-origin minister said the two countries want to cooperate on advanced manufacturing and semiconductors. This is an area in which India wants to expand significantly, and in which Singapore is contributing far beyond its capacity. The Singapore foreign minister said the aviation sector in India is expected to grow tremendously in the coming years, with India ordering more than 1,000 aircraft last year alone. He said it presents great opportunities for services such as maintenance and air operations in the coming years. This is another specific area where Singapore and its companies are globally competitive. He said, “A country with more than 1.4 billion people is now moving towards a massive reform in its aviation sector. This is a once in two, three decades opportunity, and it’s great that we’re kind of on the front lines and have the chance (to collaborate).