Modi to visit Singapore in November: Lee

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit here in November on an official visit during which the ties between the two countries will be elevated to a Strategic Partnership, Singapore Premier Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday. Modi's "official visit to Singapore in November this year will be an ideal occasion for us to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership," Lee said in a congratulatory letter to him on India's 69th Independence Day. "I am confident that this Partnership will pave the way for even greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest. I look forward to welcoming you to Singapore," he added. "My best wishes to our Excellency and the people of India. India has come a long way since its independence in 1947. Through hard work, determination and visionary leadership, the Indian people have wrought a transformative change in the country," he said.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Singapore. "India was among the first countries to recognise Singapore when we gained independence. Today, we enjoy excellent relations and cooperation in ever-widening fields. I am heartened that both countries continue to forge close ties and linkages at all levels," said the Singapore Premier.

Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam also congratulated President Pranab Mukherjee on the Independence Day. "On behalf of the people of Singapore, I warmly congratulate Your Excellency and the people of India on India's 69th Independence Day," said Tan. Over the past decades, Singapore and India have developed a special relationship rooted in strong historical and cultural ties, and bolstered by close and growing cooperation in various sectors.

"My wife and I have fond memories of the warm welcome extended to us and our delegation during my State Visit to India in February this year. I look forward to returning the hospitality when you make your State Visit to Singapore in the near future," he said. "As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, I am confident that ties between our countries will continue to deepen as we work towards concluding a Strategic Partnership," Tan added.