S'pore-India ties can range wider into more fields, says PM Wong

This comes even as ties stay anchored on shared values and mutual trust and respect

- Goh Yan Han

NEW DELHI - Singapore wants its relationship with India to range wider into more fields, even as ties stay anchored on shared values and mutual trust and respect, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

It is important that the relationship between both countries goes beyond trade and investment, and is underpinned by people-to-people ties, he told Singapore media in a wrap-up interview at the end of a "short but productive" official visit to India from Sept 2 to 4.

Speaking to reporters hours after announcing an "ambitious" road map for the comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) with India alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he noted that Singapore has designated CSPs only with a handful of countries. The others are Australia, France and Vietnam.

"It is not just a name, we do it because it is a substantive relationship which we want to nurture and cultivate and grow together for mutual benefit," he said.

PM Wong said building a stronger base of broad understanding of India remains a work in progress, and the Indian diaspora working and living in Singapore has been helpful in bringing the business communities closer together.