India and Singapore signed eight Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) including a strategically significant one between Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy.

On 1 June, the second day of the three-day visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the city state, the navies of the two nations agreed on logistical support for naval ships, submarines and naval aircraft, including Ship borne Aviation Assets, during visits.

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Mutual coordination and services support are part of the Implementation agreement signed between Indian Navy and Singaporean Navy.

A Mutual Recognition Agreement on Nursing would allow the two nations to improve training and practice of nursing between the two nations.

Both India and Singapore also concluded a second review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in the presence of PM Modi and Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong.

Reports quoting Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) reveal that the second review of the CECA adds 30 products which would get expanded tariff concessions. It also makes it easier for Singaporean imports get preferential tariffs under the agreement.

In a joint statement issued later, PM Modi expressed his happiness at the completion of the second review.

“We reviewed the progress of our bilateral ties and discussed the future roadmap. I am especially happy on the completion of the second review of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, but both of us agree that a second review is merely a milestone and not the ultimate destination,” PM Modi said.

Besides the strategically significant naval agreement, important agreements on security were also signed.

India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Singapore’s Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) agreed to cooperate on tackling illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their precursors.

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) and Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SINGCERT) extended the MoU on cooperation in the area of cyber security.

The two nations also agreed to constitute a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fintech and cooperate in the field of personnel management and public administration.

An MoU between NITI Aayog and Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) on cooperation in planning was also signed.

In the joint statement, PM Modi especially touched on trade and strategic ties between India and Singapore.

“Our strategic partnership has stood the test of time,” said Modi.

Both PM Modi and Lee shared concerns over economic and regional challenges and expressed their commitment towards ‘Rules Based Order’. The two leaders also reconfirmed their principles on maritime security and recognised terrorism as the biggest enemy of India and Singapore.

Read More: PM Modi discusses strategic ties, terrorism, economics with Singapore’s Lee

“Cyber security, and tackling extremism and terrorism will be major areas of our cooperation,” PM Modi underlined.

The Indian PM is visiting Singapore a third time. He embarked on a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia on 29 May reaching Indonesia in the first leg of his journey. Before arriving in Singapore, the PM made a brief stopover in Malaysia where he met newly-elected Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

In Singapore, the PM also addressed the Indian diaspora at a business and community event, and held a meeting with Singaporean CEOs.