India, Singapore sign 10 bilateral pacts to strengthen defence ties

Singapore: India and Singapore on Tuesday signed ten bilateral agreements including a joint declaration on 'strategic partnership' and pacts for enhanced cooperation in areas like defence, cyber security and civil aviation, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and President of Singapore Tony Tan Keng Yam.

On the second day of his two-day visit, Modi called on the Singapore President after a ceremonial welcome was accorded to him this morning. Later, he held official talks with his Singaporean counterpart.

Bilateral pacts were also signed for greater cooperation in areas like urban development and cultural exchange. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Vikas Swarup later tweeted that ten  bilateral documents were



signed across sectors, showing "a large bandwidth of cooperation".

These included joint declaration on strategic partnership to defence, cyber security, shipping, culture, and the agreements showcase strength of bilateral ties, Swarup tweeted.

The two Prime Ministers also released commemorative stamps on Rashtrapati Bhawan and Istana (the official residence and office of the President of Singapore). Modi, who arrived here last evening and addressed the prestigious Singapore Lecture, held a breakfast meeting with prominent citizens of Singapore earlier on the day.

Later, Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong called on Modi. In his Lecture on Monday, Modi talked about contributions made by Tong, who was Singapore's second Prime Minister, towards strong ties between India and Singapore.