MFA Press Statement: Working Visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan to the Republic of India, 17 to 20 Jul 2018

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan made a working visit to New Delhi and Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 17 to 20 July 2018.

In New Delhi, Minister Balakrishnan spoke at the 10th Delhi Dialogue, which was themed “Strengthening India-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation”. In his remarks, Minister Balakrishnan highlighted the importance of maritime connectivity, liberalising air services and expanding digital connectivity through initiatives such as the ASEAN Smart Cities Network. Minister Balakrishnan also emphasised the need to remove barriers to trade, and expressed hope that all parties would work towards the expeditious conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership by the end of the year.

Minister Balakrishnan met his counterpart Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan, and President of the Indian National Congress Rahul Gandhi. During the meetings, Minister Balakrishnan discussed ways to expand bilateral ties in traditional and emerging areas of cooperation such as trade, connectivity, skills, and FinTech. Minister Balakrishnan also visited the World Class Skill Centre, the first of three modern skills centres in India that Singapore has helped establish.

In Chennai, Minister Balakrishnan met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Working President M K Stalin. Minister Balakrishnan affirmed the long-standing relations between Singapore and Tamil Nadu, especially at the cultural and people-to-people level. Minister Balakrishnan also highlighted that Tamil Nadu continues to be one of the top investment destinations for Singapore companies in India.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

21 JULY 2018