Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Singapore on Wednesday after concluding his official visit to Brunei. As the Indian leader set foot on Singaporean soil, he was greeted with a warm and lively reception from the Indian diaspora, who welcomed him with dance and music performances. The celebrations quickly gained attention when PM Modi enthusiastically joined in, playing the dhol—a traditional Indian drum—as women from the Indian community performed the ‘Lavani,’ a folk dance from the Indian state of Maharashtra. The moment, captured on video, spread rapidly across social media platforms, garnering widespread appreciation from viewers around the world.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) after his arrival, PM Modi expressed his excitement about the visit and the opportunities it presented for further strengthening the India-Singapore relationship. He wrote, “Landed in Singapore. Looking forward to the various meetings aimed at boosting the India-Singapore friendship. India’s reforms and the talent of our Yuva Shakti make our nation an ideal investment destination. We also look forward to closer cultural ties.”
PM Modi’s visit to Singapore is part of a broader diplomatic mission that began with his trip to Brunei. The Prime Minister’s visit to Singapore, his fifth since taking office in 2014 and first since 2018, reflects the deepening ties between India and Singapore. This visit is expected to further cement bilateral relations, with a focus on expanding trade, investment, and cultural cooperation.
A Warm Welcome by the Indian Diaspora
Singapore has a vibrant Indian community, and the Indian diaspora there plays a significant role in fostering strong ties between the two nations. The reception for PM Modi highlighted the deep cultural connections between India and Singapore, with the performance of Lavani—a traditional dance form that originated in Maharashtra—taking center stage. Lavani, known for its dynamic footwork and expressive gestures, is often performed to the rhythmic beats of the dhol, a drum that adds to the dance’s lively energy.
As PM Modi joined the dancers, his participation symbolized his deep connection with Indian culture and the importance of cultural diplomacy in India’s global outreach. The viral video of the Prime Minister playing the dhol alongside the Lavani performers sparked positive reactions across social media, with many users praising PM Modi for embracing the festive spirit of the occasion and engaging with the Indian diaspora in a meaningful way.
Strengthening India-Singapore Relations
The Prime Minister’s two-day visit to Singapore is filled with key engagements that aim to further enhance the strategic partnership between India and the city-state. One of the central aspects of his visit is a meeting with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Lawrence Wong. The discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus on a range of issues, including trade, investment, digital cooperation, and regional security.
India and Singapore have a strong history of economic cooperation. Singapore is one of India’s largest trading partners in ASEAN, and bilateral trade between the two nations has grown significantly in recent years. In 2023, bilateral trade between India and Singapore stood at over $30 billion. Singapore is also a major investor in India, with investments spanning key sectors such as finance, infrastructure, and technology. During this visit, PM Modi will likely highlight India’s ongoing economic reforms and efforts to attract foreign investment, particularly in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy.
In his social media post, PM Modi emphasized the role of India’s young population, referring to them as “Yuva Shakti,” and their contribution to making India an attractive destination for global investors. He is expected to present a strong case for Singaporean businesses to increase their investments in India during his interactions with business leaders in the city-state.
Business Roundtable and Focus on Semiconductors
As part of his visit, PM Modi will participate in a business roundtable with prominent Singaporean business leaders. The roundtable aims to explore new avenues of economic cooperation and further enhance trade and investment flows between the two nations. A significant focus of the discussions will be on the semiconductor industry, an area of growing interest for both countries.
India has been working to establish itself as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain, and Singapore, with its advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise in electronics, is seen as a crucial partner in this effort. During his visit, PM Modi is expected to meet with representatives from major semiconductor companies and explore opportunities for collaboration in this critical sector.
Strengthening Cultural Ties
Beyond trade and investment, PM Modi’s visit to Singapore also aims to deepen cultural ties between the two nations. India and Singapore share a rich history of cultural exchange, with both countries benefiting from the contributions of their respective diasporas. The performance of Lavani during the Prime Minister’s welcome ceremony highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations.
Cultural exchanges between India and Singapore have been an integral part of their relationship, with numerous events, festivals, and collaborations taking place over the years. PM Modi’s participation in the Lavani performance is a testament to his government’s commitment to promoting India’s cultural heritage on the global stage.
Overview
As PM Narendra Modi continues his diplomatic mission in Singapore, his visit promises to strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and the city-state. From boosting economic cooperation to deepening cultural ties, the visit is expected to yield significant outcomes that will benefit both nations. The warm reception by the Indian diaspora, coupled with the Prime Minister’s active participation in cultural festivities, underscores the enduring bond between India and Singapore—a bond that continues to grow stronger with each passing year.
With key meetings, business engagements, and cultural exchanges on the agenda, PM Modi’s visit to Singapore is set to enhance the India-Singapore partnership in meaningful ways, paving the way for a brighter future for both nations.
