BackSingapore’s success is an inspiration for India: Narendra Modi
PM Modi says Singapore, India, China and Japan should come together to realize the vision of an Asian century
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Singapore: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reinvigorated the India story, according to Singapore deputy prime minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam. “Countries and companies from around the world are drawn to India by his commitment to create an open and competitive environment for investments and development," he said.
“Mr Modi has brought the same vigour and drive to the national stage as he did with Gujarat," said Shanmugaratnam, as the chairperson of the 37th Singapore Lecture, given by the prime minister of India, at the Shangri-La hotel on Monday in Singapore.
President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan and Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany are some of the other leaders who have previously delivered the Singapore Lecture, organized by the Institute of South East Asian Studies-Yusof Ishak Institute.
Modi was on a two-day state visit on the invitation of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The visit comes as India and Singapore mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“India has been a true friend to Singapore. It was the second country to establish diplomatic relations with Singapore," said Shanmugaratnam. “It also supported our entry into the UN and Non-Aligned Movement at a time when gaining recognition and international legitimacy was critical to a fledgling nation."
“Through this deep friendship, we have developed a vibrant and multifaceted relationship over the five decades," he said. “Our economic relations are strong, with Singapore being one of the top investors in India today. Our companies are active in sectors relevant to India’s development and Prime Minister Modi’s priorities, such as urban solutions, infrastructure, aviation, energy, as well as port and logistics. Similarly, many Indian companies have established regional and global operations in Singapore. Our people-to-people relations run deep, as does our cooperation in the defence and cultural spheres."
The Singapore deputy prime minister also credited Modi with moving quickly to re-energise India’s foreign policy, both regionally and globally, saying: “India has a significant role to play in the Asean region today and its Act East policy will be very positively received."
The Association of Southeast Nations, is a regional grouping comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Reciprocating, Modi remarked: “Singapore is a nation that has become a metaphor for the reality of dreams for other nations. Few countries can celebrate the first 50 years of their existence with the sense of pride and satisfaction that Singapore can and deserves fully."
“Singapore’s success has become an aspiration of Indians. Hence, it is now a major partner in the transformation of India."
He added that Singapore had played a strong leadership role in a key area of strategic interest for India-Asean integration.
“Asean is the anchor of India’s Act East policy today," Modi said. “We are linked by geography and history and common aspirations for the future. And we want to see it succeed."
“Asean is important today in leading the way for a new Asian regionalism," he noted. “We will strive to therefore support an early completion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) between India and Asean."
At the Singapore Lecture, Modi addressed an audience of more than 1,000 distinguished guests, including the Singapore prime minister. One of the key themes of his lecture was the rise of Asia in the 21st century and India’s role in it.
“The re-emergence of Asia has been the greatest phenomenon of our era," he said. “Asia has the wisdom of its ancient cultures and all the great religions of the world. It also has the energy and drive of its youth. And today, India is the bright hope for sustaining Asian dynamism and prosperity."
“There were times when we turned inwards," Modi admitted. “But, in the course of last 18 months, my government has engaged more with this region than any other in the world. And now, as we reintegrate with Asia, we are returning to history."
On the potential of an interconnected and re-emerging Asia, he was quick to point out that the region is beset with many unsettled questions and unresolved disputes—“of competing claims and contested norms; of expanding military power and extending shadow of terrorism; and, uncertainties on seas and vulnerability in cyber space."
“India will work closely and cooperatively with countries in the region and beyond to ensure that our commons—ocean, space and cyber—remain avenues of shared prosperity, and not become new theatres of contest. India will lend its strength to keep the seas safe, secure and free for the benefit of all."
Elaborating on his vision for realizing India’s potential as a regional leader in Asia, Modi said, “My government is massively investing in our people through skills and education; special focus on the girl child; financial inclusion; sustainable habitats; clean rivers and smart cities; and, access to basic needs of all our citizens—from water and sanitation to power and housing."
He said India is rapidly reforming its laws, regulations, policies, processes and institutions. “We want to change the way we govern ourselves; and the way we live, think and work. As we build the India of our dreams, Singapore is our inspiration and partner," he said.
The island state has become an increasingly important ally for India in the past decade. It is the biggest investment source and destination for India; the world’s most connected nation to India; the largest trading partner for India in South-East Asia; and a popular destination for Indian tourists and students. Starting with the first IT park in Bengaluru, Singapore is now also helping to build the newest state capital in India, Amravati in Andhra Pradesh.
While highlighting Singapore’s significance to India, Modi also emphasized the growing relations with China. “India and China share a boundary and five millennia of continuous engagement. Monks and merchants have nurtured our ties and enriched our societies," he said.
Speaking about another key partner in Asia—Japan—Modi said: “No nation has contributed so much to India’s modernization and progress as Japan, helping India build cars, metros and industrial parks. And, no partner is likely to play as big a role in India’s transformation as Japan."
Modi said that Singapore, India, China, Japan and other key Asian nations need to urgently come together “to work hard to realize our vision of an Asian century".
“And here in Singapore, where the region’s currents merge, its ideas meet; and, aspirations gather wings, I feel that we are closer to that vision than ever before," he said.
Modi paid a special tribute to the founder of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew. “His impact was global. And, in him, India had a well-wisher, who spoke with the honesty of true friendship. He believed in India’s potential at home and her role abroad more than many in India.
“For me, Lee Kuan Yew was a personal inspiration. From his Singapore Stories, I drew many lessons for how to transform India in the 21st century."
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