EAM Jaishankar meets Singapore’s Vivian Bala, reaffirms strategic ties under ‘Act East Policy’

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Sunday held a meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan, reaffirming the central role Singapore plays in India’s ‘Act East Policy’.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Singapore is at the heart of our Act East Policy. Always insightful to exchange views there. Great to meet FM Vivian Bala this morning in Singapore.”

During his visit, Jaishankar also met Teo Chee Hean, Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings, where they discussed the ongoing transformation in India and its growing investment opportunities.

“A great pleasure to meet Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings Teo Chee Hean today. Discussed the transformation underway in India and its investment opportunities,” Jaishankar said in another post on X.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaishankar’s visit to Singapore includes engagements with the country’s leadership as part of regular high-level exchanges between the two nations.

Following his engagements in Singapore, the EAM is scheduled to travel to China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (CFM) in Tianjin, where he will also hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines.

On July 2, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran met with Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Development) for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation and explored priority initiatives to further strengthen the India-Singapore partnership.

The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. To commemorate the occasion, President Droupadi Murmu and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam jointly unveiled a commemorative logo in New Delhi on January 16.

The logo features symbolic elements including colours from both national flags, the Lotus (India’s national flower), the Orchid (Singapore’s national flower), and the number 60, celebrating the milestone. According to the MEA, the design reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust, and shared values between the two countries.

(With inputs from ANI)

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