New Delhi: Describing India and Singapore as integral part of the regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific region, President Pranab Mukherjee said India is looking forward to embark upon a larger role in the region with Singapore as its gateway to ASEAN.
Welcoming Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam, he stressed on the strong relations between the two countries saying Singapore is a major pillar of New Delhi's 'Act East' Policy and India appreciates Singapore's contribution to its engagement with ASEAN.
"India is looking forward to embark upon a larger role in the Asia-Pacific," he said while welcoming the President. During the Banquet speech on Monday evening, the President said, "India sees Singapore as its gateway to ASEAN...We are partners across the seas and an integral part of the regional architecture in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, both the countries are at an interesting cusp in history, witnessing major transformations."
Mukherjee said it shall be the endeavour of India and Singapore to work together towards maintaining peace and stability in the region and bringing development to the people of two countries. I The President expressed his delight on Singapore Government's decision to install a statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in the India Heritage Centre there. Mukherjee said both countries enjoy excellent relations which are multifaceted and cover every aspect of life.
The President said the visit comes at a historic moment in bilateral relations when both countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations. "India shares a vision for a partnership based on shared beliefs in democracy, multicultural societies, rule of law, free enterprise, regional role and common links through growing people-to-people contacts," he said.
Mukerjee said India and Singapore share historic links since the times of the Cholas and an important chapter of India's freedom struggle was enacted in Singapore. "Today, both the countries are at an interesting cusp in history, witnessing major transformations. It shall be the endeavour of India and Singapore to work together towards maintaining peace and stability in the region and bringing development to the peoples of two countries," he said.
Underlining that the large community of overseas Indians in Singapore is a bridge between the two countries, Mukherjee said Singapore accounts for one of the largest sources of FDI inflows into India as well as FDI from India. "India invites Singapore companies to join in connectivity and infrastructure projects and participate in 'Make in India', 'Digital India' and 'Clean India'. India would like to work with Singapore to set up Smart Cities and in urban rejuvenation. Singapore's experience in skill development can also be invaluable for India," he said.
In a statement, Press Secretary to the President, Venu Rajamony said, "Tony Tan Keng Yam said India was one of the first countries to recognise Singapore when it became independent. India-Singapore relations are trouble free and extend over many areas".
The visiting President said economic relations have grown strongly but there is lot of potential for further growth. "The strength of the relations goes beyond economic or diplomatic. It reflects a deep understanding between the people and governments of the two countries. Building on the foundation of last fifty years, there is much more that can be done," the statement said quoting the visiting President.
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