Singapore got India's support against the 'Dragon's' bullying in the South China Sea, PM Modi's visit will also be discussed
The Ministry of External Affairs has given important information about Prime Minister Modi's visit to Singapore. MEA Secretary Jaideep Mazumdar has said that the Prime Minister will discuss maritime security with the Singapore leadership. On the invitation of Prime Minister Lawrence Vogt, PM Modi will be on a visit to Singapore on 4 and 5 September, before that he will also visit Brunei.
In a press conference on the upcoming foreign tour of Prime Minister Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the thinking of both countries is almost the same regarding maritime border security. He said that everyone is aware of the Indian government's stand on the South China Sea. Singapore is also a supporter of safe and free movement for the maritime communication line.
Singapore is troubled by China's bullying
China is notorious for its expansionist policies, along with the land border, China now has disputes with many countries regarding the maritime border as well. While on the one hand, China keeps staking its claim on many areas of India, on the other hand, there is tension between China and Singapore over some parts of the South China Sea. Although in the year 2019, an agreement has been reached between the two countries regarding maritime border security and peace, despite this, the fear of dispute with China remains.
India-Singapore united against China
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Singapore, like India, is in favor of safe and free maritime communication in the South China Sea. That is the opinions of both the countries match on this issue. In such a situation, there is no doubt that there will be discussions between India and Singapore regarding maritime security. According to the MEA, it is difficult to say at the moment at which level the talks will take place on this issue, but this is a very important issue in this region.
Therefore, there is every hope that this issue will be discussed in the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Vaughan. Apart from this, the issue of trade and investment between the two countries is very important. Singapore is India's sixth largest trading partner, continuous efforts are being made to strengthen this partnership. Under this, Prime Minister Modi will also meet the CEOs of many companies on his visit to Singapore.
Prime Minister will be on tour to Brunei and Singapore
Prime Minister Modi will be visiting Brunei on 3 and 4 September and Singapore on 4-5 September. Jaideep Majumdar has said that the situation in Myanmar can also be discussed with these two countries. He said that during bilateral talks, there is often discussion about neighboring countries and their situations. He said that Singapore and Brunei are also part of ASEAN countries and such issues related to the region are discussed during bilateral visits.
India has strong ties with Brunei
Regarding PM Modi's Brunei visit, Majumdar has said that this is the first Brunei visit of any Indian Prime Minister, which is going to take place on the occasion of the completion of 40 years of India-Brunei diplomatic relations. Earlier, King Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei had made a state visit to India in 1992 and 2008. He also participated in the ASEAN India Summit in the years 2012 and 2018. He has also come to India as the chief guest of India on Republic Day.
Majumdar said that the relations between the two countries are very strong, both countries are working in mutual partnership in many areas such as defense, trade and investment, energy, space, technology, and health. He said that during his visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Modi will hold bilateral talks, in which the emphasis will be on promoting bilateral relations and cooperation.
At the same time, the Prime Minister will also discuss those new areas where cooperation can be done between the two countries. According to him, about 14 thousand Indians live in Brunei who contribute significantly to the social and economic development there. Majumdar has said that Brunei plays the role of an important partner in India's Act East Polity and Indo-Pacific region, so the Prime Minister's visit is going to be very important in many ways.