Singapore hopes to facilitate a deeper partnership between the ASEAN and India that would be to everyone’s benefit as deeper integration with the region would enable greater access to significant opportunities, Singapore Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Tan See Leng, said here on Tuesday.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is considered one of the most influential groupings in the region, and India and several other countries including the US, China, Japan and Australia are its dialogue partners.
“Looking to the future, Singapore as a country coordinator of the ASEAN-India dialogue relations hopes to facilitate a deeper partnership between ASEAN and India. This would be to everyone’s benefit as deeper integration with the region would enable greater access to significant opportunities,” said Tan, congratulating India on its 72nd Republic Day, celebrations for which were held virtually by the Indian High Commissioner P Kumaran.
Tan said that India would always be a valued partner and a friend to Singapore. “We look forward to strengthening this relationship in the years to come,” he said, recalling India’s relationship with the city-state since its independence in 1965.