'Happy To Have Met My Friend': Modi Says After 'Excellent Discussion' With Singapore PM

Singapore PM Lawrence Wong invited PM Modi for a private dinner at his official residence at the iconic Sri Temasek bungalow ahead of the official meetings that are set to begin tomorrow.

Singapore PM Lawrence Wong invited PM Modi for a private dinner at his official residence at the iconic Sri Temasek bungalow on Wednesday.

Source : X

PM Modi in Singapore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Singapore for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong. After receiving a rousing welcome, PM Modi was wamly hosted by Wong at the iconic Sri Temasek bungalow for dinner. Addressing PM Wong as his friend, PM Modi stated that he had an excellent discussion with him on various issues during their informal meeting.

Welcoming PM Modi to Singapore, PM Wong shared a photograph with PM Modi and wrote: "Welcome PM @narendramodi to Singapore! Delighted to have the chance to catch up over a meal at the Istana, before the official meetings tomorrow."

After the dinner, PM Modi also posted a picture with his "friend" and Singaporean counterpart and wrote: "Happy to have met my friend, PM Lawrence Wong. Had an excellent discussion on a wide range of issues. India cherishes the friendship with Singapore."

Happy to have met my friend, PM Lawrence Wong. Had an excellent discussion on a wide range of issues. India cherishes the friendship with Singapore. https://t.co/ZLpZME0rxu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2024

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared more glimpses from the two leaders' informal meeting at Sri Temasek, PM's official residence. 

"Fortifying India-Singapore bonds of friendship. PM Narendra Modi warmly hosted by PM Lawrence Wong at the iconic Sri Temasek in Singapore. An evening cherishing the deep and long-standing India-Singapore ties awaits," he tweeted.

Fortifying 🇮🇳-🇸🇬 bonds of friendship.

PM @narendramodi warmly hosted by PM @LawrenceWongST at the iconic Sri Temasek in Singapore.

An evening cherishing the deep and long-standing 🇮🇳-🇸🇬 ties awaits. pic.twitter.com/3asxWAAGy7

— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) September 4, 2024

This is PM Modi's fifth visit to the southeast Asian nation. It is aimed at deepening strategic partnership, booting bilateral friendship, and attracting investments from Singapore. After landing earlier today, PM Modi stated in a post on X about his eagerness for the various meetings with Singaporean leaders, which would boost India's friendship with Singapore.

He received a "vibrant" welcome by the members of the Indian community when he reached the hotel. PM Modi was seen trying his hand at 'dhol' during the cultural event planned for his welcome.

Today's meeting with PM Wong was an informal; bilateral talks will officially begin on Thursday, with several memorandums to be exchanged between the two countries. He will also be welcomed at the Parliament House on Thursday and will call on President Tharman Shamugaratnam. 

"The leaders will review the progress of India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest," a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. PM Modi is also set to meet Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Lee will also host a lunch for Modi. Additionally, PM Modi will also meet Singaporean business leaders and interact with those involved in the country’s semiconductor ecosystem. 

Modi is accompanied by Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other government officials