Time ripe for India-Singapore bilateral relations to raise to next level: EAM S Jaishankar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chosen to visit Singapore so early in his third term," The Straits Times quoted Jaishankar as saying in an interview.
He said that India and Singapore's bilateral ties «have been extremely strong in the last two decades».
Just like Singapore had an opportunity in 1992 and then again in 2006, it should seize the moment and fully utilise the new landscape, the minister said.
«Sometimes, to be honest, I feel that impressions at your end are somewhat dated,» Jaishankar pointed out.
«In India, we are using the achievements of the last decade as the springboard to accelerate national growth and modernisation,» the minister said.
Beyond the bilateral ties, there is also the issue of closer collaboration in a volatile and uncertain world. «In this regard, we must recognise that ours is a partnership based on a high degree of trust and understanding,» the minister said.
«These characteristics enable us to share assessments and explore our convergences,» he added.
The prime minister has always had a special sentiment for Singapore and that leadership connect will matter more than ever before, underscored Jaishankar who has served as India's High Commissioner to Singapore and has a very good understanding of the city-state.
Responding to a question as to where India would like to take the bilateral relationship, the minister said: «We have come a long way since then. As I pointed out, the time is ripe to move to the next level of our ties, reflecting current realities in both countries,
