External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today said engagement with ASEAN was at the core of India's Look East Policy ...
... and Singapore was at its gateway to the region and outlined a 5S plan to build the ties further.
"The future holds even greater potential," she said, outlining the 5S vision -- Scale up trade and investments; Speed up connectivity; Smart cities with focus on urban development & water management; Skill development; and State focus to promote engagement with Indian States.
Ms Swaraj said India looked forward to Singapore companies to speed up connectivity and infrastructure projects in India, particularly, along the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), the Chennai-Bangalore Industrial Corridor and the North-East. Singapore could develop a virtual city or a "little Singapore” somewhere along the corridor, she said.
"Connectivity in all its dimensions- physical, institutional and people-to-people is a priority for us. There has been impressive growth of air connectivity between our countries. It would be mutually beneficial to launch direct air-connectivity between Singapore and North East, particularly Guwahati. North-East is our gateway to the ASEAN hinterland. Education, tourism and business are key links. I wish to see greater flows between peoples and institutions to enrich this relationship," she said.
The Minister said Singapore's expertise in Smart Cities, urban planning and water management strategies offer a valuable learning experience for India.
"We shall work for setting up greenfield Smart Cities and for urban rejuvenation. Our experts shall identify the priorities and we shall coordinate its timely delivery.
"Singapore's experience in skill development can be invaluable for us given our large requirement. The World Class Skill Development Centre in Delhi, set up by Singapore, is a model for similar centres in the rest of the country, including the North-East," she said.
Ms Swaraj said a State focus in India's engagement with Singapore could harness the enormous economic potential and provide an opportunity to showcase the cultural diversity of Indian States.