Narendra Modi arrives in Singapore

Referring to a series of terror strikes across the world in recent days, Modi said Najib had “provided leadership in combating extremism and radicalization, rejecting any link between terrorism and religion, and in highlighting the real values of Islam”.

Promising to build better ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak said that efforts will be made with “renewed vigour” to maintain the momentum of the partnership.

Referring to his government’s work, Modi said, “Wheels of change have begun to move”.

The two countries also agreed to convene the next India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation Meeting at the level of defence secretary and secretary general.

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Singapore from Malaysia on the second and last leg of his four-day visit to southeast Asia. We intend to exploit the full potential of our bilateral agreements and the India-Asean Agreements.

“There are many dimensions to our connected histories”. The infrastructure development agreement was signed between India’s NITI Aayog and Malaysia’s Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu).

“We have strong defence relations. But, we also have to work within our societies and with our youth”, he added. The partnership will outline the two countries’ interest in expanding cooperation in key areas like smart cities and urban solutions, skills development, connectivity and economic cooperation. We are located on the same maritime route. “Malaysia and India share a very strong bond”. He said India is at present the fastest growing major economy in the world.

Both also acknowledged the contributions of the large Indian community in Malaysia, which has helped to foster and develop current and future linkages.

“We will place special emphasis on cultural and people-to-people ties”.

Modi, who held talks with Najib earlier in the day, inaugurated the gate at the Little India enclave in Brickfields here.

In his statement, Razak called Modi a “man of action” and said he was “very pleased” with the discussion between the two countries.

As he took stock of the call, Najib said the Malaysian government would ask the Higher Education Minister as well as Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) to discuss with the relevant authorities in India.

“Singapore is an integral part of our Look East Policy and it was announced from there by our former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao”.

“To the people of Singapore, on the 50 years of independence, I extend greetings of 1.25 billion friends and admirers”.