New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi has said that he wants to create many Singapores in India. He said this during bilateral talks with Singapore PM Lawrence Wong on Thursday. Both the leaders decided to upgrade the existing strategic partnership relations between India and Singapore to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Four important agreements were signed

This is the second country in the Indo-Pacific region with which India has raised the status of its relations within three weeks. A similar agreement was reached between India and Malaysia last fortnight on 20 August 2024. This means that India will cooperate with these countries to protect each other's interests in areas such as defense, business, military, and communication. Four important agreements have also been signed between the two countries under the leadership of Modi and Wong.

Many Singapores will be built in India

Wong is the fourth generation Prime Minister of Singapore, on which PM Modi specially congratulated him. Modi said that I am confident that under the leadership of 4G (fourth generation), Singapore will progress even faster. Singapore is not just a partner country. Singapore is an inspiration for every developing country. We also want to create many Singapores in India. And I am happy that we are working together in this direction.

In the joint statement issued by India and Singapore after PM Modi's visit, there has been a direct reference to the current situation in the South China Sea due to China's aggressive attitude and a demand has been made to create a code of conduct for all the countries of this region and other countries which are not connected with it.

This code of conduct has been said to be made under international law and the United Nations Rules of the Sea (UNCLOS) so that peace, stability, security and freedom is ensured in this region. Both have urged all parties to resolve the dispute peacefully without using any force.

Terming terrorism as the biggest threat to global peace and stability, both countries have said that it should not be justified under any circumstances. Cooperation between the two countries against terrorism will be further enhanced.

PM Modi also announced the establishment of Thiruvalluvar Centre, an ancient Tamil poet, in Singapore. He described Singapore as the architect of India's Act East policy.

During the 10 years of strategic relations, bilateral trade has doubled and investment from Singapore in India has tripled to $150 billion. Along with this, he expressed happiness over elevating the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The governments of India and Singapore have formed a special group of four cabinet ministers each to prepare a new agenda for bilateral cooperation. Its second meeting was held last week.

Prepare the roadmap for the future

This group has prepared a roadmap for cooperation in four areas which has been signed. Later, in a joint statement issued by both the countries, it was told that PM Modi and PM Wong have supported further expanding the already strong defence relations. Along with this, they have directed to conclude the talks going on to amend the economic agreement (CIPA) signed between the two countries in the year 2016.