Modi holds bilateral talks with Singapore PM Lee, signs 10 MoUs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held bilateral talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong during which India and Singapore signed 10 MoUs and launched joint postage stamp also.

Earlier in the day Modi called on Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and was accorded a ceremonial welcome on the second day of his visit to the country.

''Beginning at the top. PM @narendramodi calls on President Tony Tan Keng Yam of Singapore,'' Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of the external affairs ministry, tweeted.

Modi, who arrived in Singapore on Monday evening and delivered the prestigious Singapore Lecture, also held a breakfast meeting with prominent citizens of Singapore.

Modi also delivered the 37th Singapore Lecture on ''India's Singapore Story'' during which he called for a united world voice against terrorism.

In his address, Modi said his government's policies are aimed at empowering people and creating conditions in which enterprises flourish, opportunities expand and the people's potential are unlocked.

''So, we are 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.

''We will nurture and defend an environment in which every citizen belongs and participates, secure of her rights and confident about her opportunities.

''And, we are creating opportunities by reforming our laws, regulations, policies, processes and institutions; by the way we govern ourselves; and the way we work with state governments.

''Together with this software of change, we are also building the hardware of progress – next generation infrastructure, revived manufacturing, improved agriculture, easier trade and smarter services.

''That is why we are moving on many fronts at the same time, aware of the linkages that make up a comprehensive strategy.

Modi's visit also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Singapore and India this year, and underscores the excellent and longstanding ties between the two countries.

''Learning from the 'Singapore Story'. PM @narendramodi and PM @leehsienloong hold official talks,'' Swarup tweeted.

After his arrival in Singapore from Malaysia on Monday, Modi was hosted for a dinner by Prime Minister Lee in an Indian restaurant at the Little India locality in Singapore.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam visited India earlier this year.

''Ceremonial honours at Istana. A warm welcome for PM @narendramodi at the presidential palace,'' Swarup tweeted earlier along with pictures of Modi with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.

Modi started a busy second day of his Singapore visit with a breakfast meeting with leading Singaporeans.