Singapore needs to constantly engage with ASEAN neighbours, India, says President Tharman Shanmugaratnam

Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam said a constant engagement with ASEAN neighbours and India is needed for the country's future success.

The people-to-people relations have always been intrinsic to the relationship...It's not possible for us in Singapore to do well in the future without engaging closely with our ASEAN neighbours, India, China that's where the opportunities are and that's where we also develop our sense of being contributors to Asia's growth, sustainability and stability," the President was quoted as saying by ANI news agency.

He also focussed on the need for people-to-people connections.

The Singaporean President was on a State Visit to India from  January 14-18.

This was President Tharman’s first State Visit to India.

President Tharman was welcomed by Hon'ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan and was accorded a Ceremonial Guard of Honour. President Tharman paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat.

President Tharman held discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who also hosted a banquet in his honour. Both Presidents unveiled a joint logo commemorating 60th anniversary of establishment of India-Singapore bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the President of Singapore.

"During this meeting the two leaders extensively reviewed the bilateral relationship and discussed ways to strengthen the India-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.