Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and discussed bilateral ties.
Mr. Modi, who arrived in Singapore on Thursday on a three-day visit, also called on Singapore President Halimah Yacob.
'Solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection'
Delivering the keynote address at the Shangri La Dialogue, Mr. Modi said:
"Our vision stands for a free, open, inclusive region, which embraces us all in a common pursuit of progress and prosperity. It includes all nations in this geography as also others beyond who have a stake in it. Southeast Asia is at its centre. And ASEAN has been and will be central to its future. That is the vision that will always guide India, as we seek to cooperate for architecture for peace and security in this region.
"We believe that our common prosperity and security require us to evolve, through dialogue, a common rules-based order for the region. And, it must equally apply to all individually as well as to the global commons.
"We should all be equally permitted to benefit from the use of common spaces on sea and in the air without discrimination. When we all agree to live by that code, our sea lanes will be pathways to prosperity and corridors of peace. We will also be able to come together to prevent maritime crimes, preserve marine ecology, protect against disasters and prosper from blue economy.
"Solutions cannot be found behind walls of protection, but in embracing change. What we seek is a level playing field for all. India stands for open and stable international trade regime. We will also support rule-based, open, balanced and stable trade environment in the Indo-Pacific Region, which lifts up all nations on the tide of trade and investment.
"Competition is normal. But, contests must not turn into conflict; differences must not be allowed to become disputes. When we can work together, we will be able to meet the real challenges of our times. We will be able to ensure non-proliferation. We will be able to secure our people from terrorism and cyber threats.
"Together, we have contributed much to human civilisation. And, we have been through the devastation of war and the hope of peace. We have seen the limits of power. And, we have seen the fruits of cooperation. This world is at a crossroad. There are temptations of the worst lessong of history. But, there is also a path of wisdom. It summons us to a higher purpose; to rise above a narrow view of our interests and recognise that each of us can serve our interests better when we work together as equals in the larger good of all nations. "
'Indian Ocean holds key to our future'
The Prime Minister further said:
"It is a measure of our strategic autonomy that India’s first Strategic Partnership, with Russia, has matured to be special and privileged.
"With each Southeast Asian country, we have growing political, economic and defence ties.
"Three years ago, in Mauritius, I described our vision in one word – SAGAR, which means ocean in Hindi. And, S.A.G.A.R. stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.
"The Indian Ocean has shaped much of India’s history and it now holds the key to our future.
"Oceans had an important place in Indian consciousness since pre-Vedic times. Thousands of years ago, Indus Valley Civilisation as well as Indian peninsula had maritime trade.
"India’s global strategic partnership with the United States continues to deepen across the extraordinary breadth of our relationship.
"India-China cooperation is expanding. Trade is growing. And, we have displayed maturity and wisdom in managing issues and ensuring a peaceful border. There is growing intersection in our international presence.
"Our principal mission is transforming India to a New India by 2022, when independent India will be 75 years young. We will sustain growth of 7.5 to 8% per year. As our economy grows, our glonbal and regional integration will increase. A nation of over 800 million youth knows that their future will be secured not just by the sale of India's economy, but also by the depth of global engagement. More than anywhere else, our ties will deepen and our presence will grow in the region.
"This is a world of inter-dependent fortunes and failures. No nation can shape and secure it on its own. It is a world that summons us to rise above divisions and competition to work together. Is that possible? Yes. It is possible. I see ASEAN as an example and inspiration.
"India does not see the Indo-Pacific Region as a strategy or as a club of limited members. Nor as a grouping that seeks to dominate. And by no means do we consider it as directed against any country. A geographical definition, as such, cannot be. India's vision for the Indo-Pacific Region is, therefore, a positive one."
'Landmark year of India’s relationship with ASEAN'
Mr. Modi said:
"I am happy to be here in a special year, in a landmark year of India’s relationship with ASEAN.
"In January, we had the unique honour of hosting ten ASEAN leaders on our Republic Day. The ASEAN-India commemorative Summit was a testimony of our commitment to ASEAN and to our Act East policy.
"For thousands of years, Indians have turned to the East. Not just to see the Sun rise, but also to pray for its light to spread over the entire world. The humankind now looks to the Rising East, with the hope to see the promise that this 21st century beholds for the whole world. Because, the destiny of the world will be deeply influenced by the course of developments in the Indo-Pacific region. Because, this new age of promise is also caught in shifting plates of global politics and the fault lines of history.
''I am here to say that the future we seek does not have to be as elusive as ShangriLa; that we can shape this region in out collective hopes and aspirations. Nowhere is it more apt to pursue this than in Singapore.
"Singapore shows us that when the oceans are open, the seas are secure, countries are connected, the rule of law prevails and the region is stable, nations, small and large; prosper as sovereign countries — free and fearless in their choices. Singapore also shows that when nations stand on the side of principles, not behind one power or the other, they earn the respect of the world and a voice in international affairs. And, when they embrace diversity at home, they seek an inclusive world outside. For India, though, Singapore means more.
''It's the spirit that unites a lion nation and a lion city. Singapore is our springboard to ASEAN. It has been, for centuries, a gateway for India to the broader East."
‘Must further connectivity without conflict’
Earlier, at an interaction with students of the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Mr. Modi said:
“The NTU offers a glimpse of the change in the world driven by the youth. The world is clear that the 21st century is Asia’s century. It is essential to believe in ourselves and know that this is our turn. We must rise to the occasion and take that leadership. We must treat every challenge as an opportunity.
“In human history, India and China have dominated global trade for centuries. At the same time, there was no conflict. We must think of furthering connectivity without any conflict.
“Greater use of space technology augurs well for human progress. Among the many advantages of space technology is that improves accuracy in weather predictions. Fishermen can gain tremendously thanks to application of space technology. Space technology helps us in properly mapping our development infrastructure - be it in terms of where do we need more schools, better roads, added hospitals.
“We have progressed through the ages due to innovation and due to ethics as well as humanitarian values. Technology is aiding human creativity. Various social media platforms have given voice to millions. Technology is what empowers people. A technology driven society breaks social barriers. Technology has to be affordable and user-friendly. We should not see every disruption as destruction. People were apprehensive about computers but see how computers changed human history.”
India, Singapore to upgrade CECA
At a joint address to the media with Mr. Lee following the summit, Mr. Modi said India and Singapore would soon upgrade their Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
“We are happy with the second review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement. Officials from both our countries will soon discuss how to upgrade this agreement,” he said.
India and Singapore signed the CECA in 2005. Singapore is the first country with which India has signed such a treaty.
Hails close defence ties with Singapore
Mr. Modi said the strategic partnership between India and Singapore had stood the test of time in real sense.
He hailed the close defence cooperation between the two countries and welcomed the completion of the logistics agreement between the two navies.
“In the coming times, dealing with cyber security and extremism and terrorism will be important areas of our cooperation,” he said.
Exchange of MoUs
Mr. Modi and Mr. Lee agreed to deepen the bilateral economic ties and build on defence cooperation, as they called for a peaceful, open, and friendly maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The two leaders also witnessed an exchange of memoranda of understanding in numerous fields, including the training of public service officials, cyber security, narcotics control and logistics cooperation between the two navies.
Focus on bilateral cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong at presidential palace Istana in Singapore on June 1, 2018. Reuters
Mr. Modi and Mr. Lee exchanged views to strengthen bilateral relations and explore further cooperation in the flagship initiatives of the governments.
“Valuable strategic partner in our Act East Policy! Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Lee had delegation-level talks” said Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.
“Discussion focused on a wide range of our bilateral cooperation, specially in trade & investment, connectivity, innovation, technology & strategic issues," Mr. Kumar tweeted.
Guard of honour
On his arrival at Presidential Palace Istana, Mr. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome with a guard of honour.
“Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome on his arrival at Istana - Presidential Palace of Singapore. Millennia old ties now powered by partnership in innovation and technology,” Mr. Kumar tweeted.
