India PM Narendra Modi in Singapore

The same day, the two premiers – Modi and Lee – will sign the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership to boost bilateral ties. “And, I can do no better than to begin with homage to one of the tallest leaders of our time and the architect of modern Singapore – Lee Kuan Yew”, Modi said.

The lecture was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Memoranda of understanding were signed for curtailing drug trafficking and improving cybersecurity, enabling Singapore and India to collaborate on technology and research.

During his visit, the two countries agreed to intensify cooperation on security, make defense cooperation stronger, advance maritime security and to collaborate in cyber security.

“Singapore was India’s springboard to the world and gateway to the east”, the Indian prime minister said. “We will take immediate action to recognise more Indian degree”, Najib said.

Talking about his “Swachh Bharat” or Clean India campaign, Modi said it was aimed at transforming the way Indians think, live and work.

He also said that the agreement to cooperate in cyber-security between the two countries was very important.

“We must de-link terrorism from religion and assert the human value that defines every faith”, said Prime Minister Modi while delivering the 37th Singapore Lecture in the presence of his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.

Senator Rehman A Malik Tuesday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should left the agenda of terrorism and work for peace and prosperity of the region.

He said Singapore’s Indian pioneers include G. Sarangapany, who came here from Tamil Nadu in 1924, founded the Tamil “Murasu” newspaper, and sold it at one cent a copy so that the poor could read it too, Channel News Asia reported. “We are hopeful to roll out GST regime in 2016”.

PM Lee Hsien Loong reaffirmed Singapore’s continuing support for India as a permanent member in a reformed UNSC. “Our companies are positioned to explore and develop promising engagements”, he said. We are working hard so that the benefits reach common man. India is now the next frontier of economic revolution.

“We are also conscious of last mile operational issues in such matters and we are fine tuning the norms”.

Mr Modi told about 500 business delegates that over the past 18 months his government has been successful in restoring the credibility of India in the eyes of global players.