Singapore congratulates India on its 70th Independence Day

PM Lee says he is looking forward to meeting Modi during his visit to India in October and explore new avenues of cooperation.

Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong congratulated their Indian counterparts for India's 70th Independence Day on Monday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Dr. Tan wrote a letter to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and conveyed his "heartfelt congratulations" to him and the people of India.

Dr. Tan wrote: "Relations between Singapore and India remain strong and look set to grow despite challenges in the global economy. As our people-to-people relations flourish, I am delighted by the excellent progress in bilateral projects and initiatives on various fronts."

"The India-Singapore Strategic Partnership, together with other bilateral agreements, will create new opportunities for collaboration and elevate the bilateral relationship to a higher level," Dr. Tan said.

The Singapore President added that he has "fond memories of the warm hospitality" which he received on his visit to India last February. He also said he is looking forward to receive President Mukherjee "in the near future".

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong wrote a separate letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to congratulate Modi "on the joyous occasion" of the nation's independence day.

"Singapore and India share a longstanding friendship underpinned by strong historical, commercial, cultural and kinship ties," Lee wrote.

He added: "The India-Singapore Strategic Partnership signed during your visit to Singapore last November is a further sign of our excellent relations. It also provides a roadmap for cooperation in many fields: Trade and investment, skills development, defence cooperation, and Smart Cities. I am confident that our bilateral ties will continue to grow and deepen."

Lee also wrote that he is looking forward to meet Modi again during his visit to India in October and he hopes to "explore new avenues of cooperation".

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