PM Modi shakes hand with US Defence Secretary James Mattis and discusses issues of mutual and global interest
Singapore, June 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met US Defence Secretary James Mattis in Singapore and discussed all security-related issues of mutual and global interests. The meeting comes days after the Pentagon renamed its Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command in a largely symbolic move to signal India's importance in US strategic thinking. The closed-door meeting was held on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue which was addressed by the Prime Minister last evening.
In his keynote address at the Dialogue, Modi said, an Asia of the rivalry will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century. He called for collective efforts to tackle emerging challenges related to international waters. Modi suggested five principles for co-existence of nations namely Respect, Dialogue, Co-operation, Peace, and Prosperity. He said all countries can prosper through freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes as per international law.
On the final day of his Singapore visit, Modi along with Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong unveiled a plaque at Clifford Pier this morning to commemorate the immersion of ashes of Mahatma Gandhi at this site in 1948. Modi also discussed bilateral matters with Goh Chok Tong.
The Prime Minister also visited Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in the country which was built by early Indian settlers. He also visited National Orchid Garden, Chulia mosque, and Buddha relic Temple. During his visit to the National Orchid Garden, a Dendrobium orchid was named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Prime Minister also visited the Indian Heritage Centre situated in Little India and inaugurated a permanent platform for Indian craftsmen visiting Singapore. The Centre showcases Indian heritage and its rich cultural diversity. He purchased a Madhubani painting using newly launched international RuPay card.
Modi met officers and sailors of the Indian naval ship berthed in Changi naval base. He also went on-board the RSS Formidable Frigate of Singapore navy. India and Singapore celebrate 25 years of naval exercises and enjoy a strong naval cooperation. The Prime Minister has since left for home after concluding his successful visit to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore.
AIR correspondent reports that the three days visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore resulted in a number of agreements for mutual cooperation between India and Singapore and also gave a big boost to bilateral relations. Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement too received attention. A number of agreements were signed for skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship, wastewater management, rural water treatment, Make in India programme, space technology, research and development, naval logistics and cybercrime.
Indians can now use Rupay and BHIM mobile app in Singapore for digital transactions. Nurses from India can now find recognition in Singapore. Startups in India and Singapore can now complement each other and share best trade practices. A decision was also taken to set up a new Indian Innovation Center in Singapore. Over and above all these, India-Singapore relations received a new impetus after Prime Minister’s visit to Singapore.