MFA Press Statement: Congratulatory Messages from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to President Pranab Mukherjee and from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of India's 69th Independence Day, 15 August 2015

                   President Tony Tan Keng Yam has written to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to convey his congratulations on the occasion of India’s 69^th Independence Day on 15 August 2015.  Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey his best wishes. The text of their respective letters is appended.  

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

15 AUGUST 2015

Congratulatory Letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam

15 August 2015

His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee

President

Republic of India

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the people of Singapore, I warmly congratulate Your Excellency and the people of India on India’s 69^th Independence Day. 

Over the past decades, Singapore and India have developed a special relationship rooted in strong historical and cultural ties, and bolstered by close and growing cooperation in various sectors.  My wife and I have fond memories of the warm welcome extended to us and our delegation during my State Visit to India in February this year.  I look forward to returning the hospitality when you make your State Visit to Singapore in the near future.

As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties, I am confident that ties between our countries will continue to deepen as we work towards concluding a Strategic Partnership.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

TONY TAN KENG YAM

Congratulatory Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong

15 August 2015

Dear Prime Minister Modi,

My best wishes to our Excellency and the people of India on the joyous occasion of India’s 69^th Independence Day.  India has come a long way since its independence in 1947.  Through hard work, determination and visionary leadership, the Indian people have wrought a transformative change in the country.

This year also marks the 50^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore.  India was among the first countries to recognise Singapore when we gained independence.  Today, we enjoy excellent relations and cooperation in ever-widening fields.  I am heartened that both countries continue to forge close ties and linkages at all levels.

Your Excellency’s official visit to Singapore in November this year will be an ideal occasion for us to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership.  I am confident that this Partnership will pave the way for even greater cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

I look forward to welcoming you to Singapore in November.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Narendra Modi

Prime Minister

Republic of India