External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a meeting with Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Bala on Sunday, reaffirming Singapore’s pivotal position in India’s Act East Policy.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, “Singapore is at the heart of our Act East Policy. Always insightful to exchange views there. Great to meet FM @VivianBala this morning in Singapore.”

During his visit, Jaishankar also met Teo Chee Hean, Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings, to discuss India’s ongoing transformation and emerging investment opportunities.

“A great pleasure to meet Chairman-designate of Temasek Holdings Teo Chee Hean today. Discussed the transformation underway in India and its investment opportunities,” he added on X.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that Jaishankar’s visit to Singapore includes engagements with the country’s leadership as part of the regular diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.

Following his Singapore visit, Jaishankar is scheduled to travel to China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting (CFM) in Tianjin, where he will also hold bilateral discussions on the sidelines.

Earlier this month, on July 2, MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran met with Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Development) for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, in New Delhi. The two officials reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation and initiatives in key areas to further strengthen the India-Singapore partnership.

“Secretary (East) P. Kumaran met Mr. Luke Goh, Permanent Secretary (Development) @MFAsgToday in New Delhi. The two sides reviewed ongoing bilateral cooperation, including initiatives in priority areas, for further strengthening the India-Singapore partnership,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiwal tweeted.

The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. To celebrate this milestone, President Droupadi Murmu and Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam unveiled a joint logo in New Delhi on January 16.

The logo features elements representing both nations, including the colors of their national flags, India’s national flower—the lotus, Singapore’s national flower—the orchid, and the number 60, symbolizing six decades of diplomatic ties. The design reflects the enduring friendship, mutual trust, and shared values between the two countries, the MEA said. (Source: ANI)