Singapore PM backs India, condemns Uri attack

New Delhi [India], Oct. 04 : Condemning the Uri attack in which 19 Indian soldiers lost their lives, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday assured his country's full support to New Delhi during a meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

"I would like to extend my condolences to the Indian Government and the families of the soldiers, who lost their lives in the Uri attack," Loong said.

"Singapore is a firm believer in India, we continue to contribute where we can," he added. Prime Minister Modi on his part said that defence and security cooperation is a key pillar of India and Singapore's strategic partnership.

He said that terrorism, especially cross border terrorism, and the rise of radicalisation have become grave challenges which continue to threaten the very fabric of our societies.

"It is my firm belief that those who believe in peace and humanity need to stand and act together against this menace.

Today, we have agreed to enhance our cooperation to counter these threats, including in the domain of cyber security," he said.

He also pointed out that India and Singapore's cooperation in the framework of ASEAN, East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Framework is aimed at building an open and inclusive architecture for regional cooperation in an atmosphere of trust and confidence.

Prime Minister Modi also lauded Singapore for its manufacturing, environment and technology prowess. "If there is one country that seems to act in the present, but is alive to the future it is Singapore," he said.

Prime Minister Modi said that India has with special focus on skill developmen signed two MoUs - to set up a Skill Development Centre for our North Eastern States in Guwahati and the other with the National Skill Development Council - with Singapore.

He said that Singapore is partnering with Rajasthan in the fields of urban development and waste management.

In the context of strong network of business to business partnerships, both Prime Ministers agreed to expedite the second review of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.

"The MoU on Intellectual Property, which has been signed today, will facilitate greater business to business exchanges and collaborations.

Prime Minister Lee and I also welcome the issuance of corporate Rupee bonds in Singapore. It is a step forward in our efforts to mobilize capital for India's large infrastructure development needs," Prime Minister Modi said.

Source: ANI