PM leaves on three-nation tour to Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday embarked on a three-nation tour to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, aimed at providing a further boost to India's 'Act East policy' and enhance India's relations and engagements with all the three countries.

In a statement on Monday, ahead of his visit, the PM had said that his five-day visit to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, from May 29 to June 2, will provide a further boost to the government's Act East Policy.

"I will be visiting Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore on 29 May ? 2 June 2018. India has a robust strategic partnership with all the three countries. I am confident that my visit to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore will provide a further boost to our Act East Policy and enhance our relations and engagements with all the three countries," Mr Modi said in his statement .

The Prime Minister said he will be in Jakarta on May 29 on the invitation of Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

"This is my first visit to Indonesia as Prime Minister. I am looking forward to my discussions with President Widodo  on May 30 as also to our joint interaction with the India-Indonesia CEOs Forum. I will also address the Indian Community in Indonesia," he said.

India and Indonesia enjoy strong and friendly ties and share deep historical and civilizational linkages. Both countries are multi ethnic, multi religious, plural and open societies, he said, adding: "I am confident that my visit to Indonesia will create greater synergy between Asia's two largest democracies and further elevate our bilateral ties".

On May 31, Mr Modi will make a brief halt at Malaysia."On 31 May, on my way to Singapore, I will make a brief halt in Malaysia to congratulate the new Malaysian leadership. I look forward to meet Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad," he said.

Mr Modi further said that during his stay in Singapore, he will focus on enhancing India-Singapore partnership in areas of Fintech, skill development, urban planning and artificial intelligence.

"Singapore entities have become major partners with India in areas like urban development, planning, smart cities and infrastructure development. My visit in Singapore presents an opportunity for both countries to engage further," Mr Modi said.

On Thursday,  Mr Modi will visit the India-Singapore enterprise and innovation exhibition and also address a business and community event followed by a round-table meeting with select top CEOs of Singapore.At the meeting, Mr Modi will deliberate with business captains on  business and investment opportunities.

The Prime Minister will call on Singapore President Halimah Yacob on June 1 and also hold delegation level talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lee.Prime Minister Modi said he is, in fact, "looking forward" to the visit to the Nanyang Technological University where  he would also interact with young students.

He will also deliver the keynote address at Shangri-La Dialogue. "This will be the first time that an Indian Prime Minister would deliver this address. It would be an opportunity to articulate India's point of view on regional security issues and maintenance of peace and stability in the region," Mr Modi said.

The Prime Minister said on June 2, he will unveil a plaque at Clifford Pier, where Gandhiji's ashes were immersed in sea on 27 March 1948. He would also visit some places of worship that have civilizational linkages with India.

"The last element of my programme would be a visit to the Changi Naval Base in Singapore where I will visit theIndian Naval Ship INS Satpura and interact with officers and sailors of the Indian Navy and Royal Singapore Navy," Mr Modi added.(UNI)