India, Singapore assert fight against terrorism

New Delhi, Sep 05: In a joint statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong reaffirmed their nations' commitment to several other key issues other than business and trade during Modi's official visit to Singapore on September 4-5.

Counterterrorism and Multilateral Cooperation

The leaders highlighted that terrorism remains the most significant threat to global peace and stability. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, emphasising that no cause can justify acts of terror. Both prime ministers highlighted the necessity of reinvigorating multilateral action on terrorism, including the early conclusion of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the United Nations.

They also stressed the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism, in line with Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. The two countries reiterated their commitment to work together within FATF and other multilateral platforms.

Global and Regional Cooperation

The leaders lauded the healthy cooperation between India and Singapore at regional and international fora, reaffirming their efforts to strengthen collaboration, particularly within the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization (WTO), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and Commonwealth. Prime Minister Wong reiterated Singapore's strong support for India's bid to become a permanent member of a reformed UN Security Council. Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for Singapore's backing of India's candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the 2028-29 term.

Indo-Pacific and ASEAN

The prime ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region. They emphasised the importance of an open, inclusive, rules-based, and resilient Indo-Pacific that fosters free trade and open markets, where differences are peacefully resolved in accordance with international law. Both leaders acknowledged the close cooperation between India and Singapore on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

The leaders also emphasised the significance of ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, crucial for peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. They supported the further strengthening of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which complements India's bilateral relations with individual ASEAN member states. The ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) was highlighted as an essential framework for further collaboration between the AOIP and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

Defence and Security

The defence relationship between India and Singapore was reaffirmed as a cornerstone of their bilateral ties, built on close historical connections, shared strategic perspectives, and common interests. The leaders commended the high level of professional exchanges and bilateral exercises conducted by the armed forces of both nations, including the Army's Exercise Agni Warrior, the Navy's Exercise SIMBEX and SITMEX, and the Air Force's Exercise JMT.

Prime Minister Modi appreciated Singapore's support in co-hosting the inaugural ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, which allowed India to collaborate with ASEAN member states in addressing common maritime security challenges. Prime Minister Wong, in turn, expressed deep appreciation for India's consistent support of Singapore's Armed Forces' training in India and welcomed India's active participation in the regional security architecture.

South China Sea and Maritime Security

Both leaders stressed the critical link between prosperity and security, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. They called for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Both sides urged all parties to refrain from actions that could escalate tensions in the region and emphasised that the UNCLOS framework is the basis for determining maritime entitlements, sovereign rights, and legitimate interests over maritime zones. The leaders expressed hope for the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), in line with international law, that respects the legitimate rights and interests of all nations.

Prime Minister Modi extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Wong for the warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the visit. He also conveyed India's anticipation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam's visit to India next year and extended an invitation to Prime Minister Wong to visit India at a mutually convenient time.