New Delhi: Ahead of their bilateral discussions on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was hosted to a private dinner by Singaporean PM Lawrence Wong on Wednesday night. Wong expressed his happiness at hosting PM Modi for the informal dinner meeting.
In a post on X, Wong shared a photo with PM Modi and wrote, “Welcome PM Narendra Modi to Singapore! Delighted to have the chance to catch up over a meal at the Istana, before the official meetings tomorrow.”
Welcome PM @narendramodi to Singapore! Delighted to have the chance to catch up over a meal at the Istana, before the official meetings tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/6ceCrKwbAF
— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) September 4, 2024
The PM was hosted by the Singapore PM at the iconic Sri Temasek, a 19th century bungalow designated as the prime minister’s official residence.
After Wong’s post, PM Modi wrote on X: “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
This is PM Modi’s fifth visit to Singapore, and he last visited Singapore in 2018. In 2018 too, a gala dinner was hosted by Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong on November 14. PM Modi met Loong on the sidelines of ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits. PM Modi and Loong had talks on boosting India-Singapore ties as well as how India-ASEAN relations can bring about peace and prosperity in the region. They also discussed trade and people-to-people ties.
Bonhomie between the PM Modi and Wong was quite evident from the photo posted by the Singaporean PM. The dinner diplomacy assumes significance as it will go a long way in boosting economic cooperation, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi wrote on X, “Landed in Singapore. Looking forward to the various meetings aimed at boosting the India-Singapore friendship. India’s reforms and the talent of our Yuva Shakti make our nation an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to closer cultural ties.”
Apart from holding a host of bilateral meetings, PM Modi will also take part in a roundtable with Singapore business leaders organised by the Singapore Business Federation. Several MoUs are expected to be inked. He will also interact with Singapore’s semiconductor ecosystem players, and engage students from Singapore in the India Ready Talent Programme.
