PM Modi leaves for India after wrapping up 3-nation tour
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi has left for India after concluding his significant and successful three-nation visit to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. During his three-day Singapore visit, Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and delivered a keynote address at Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's premier defense and strategic affairs conference. He is the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Shangri-La Dialogue.
Details
Modi's tri-nation tour adds momentum to India's Act East Policy
MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the Prime Minister's visit added momentum to India's Act East Policy. In his Shangri-La Dialogue keynote address, Modi said an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an "Asia of cooperation" will shape the current century. On the last day of his Singapore visit, PM Modi also met US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and discussed security-related issues.
Malaysia visit
PM Modi personally congratulated his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad
Modi visited the Changi Naval Base and met officers and sailors of the Indian Navy and Royal Singapore Navy. He had arrived in Singapore after a brief halt in Malaysia where he met his 92-year-old Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad to personally congratulate him on his stunning election victory and the two leaders had "productive discussions" on bolstering the bilateral strategic ties.
Indonesia
Modi's first official visit to Indonesia as a PM
During his first-ever official visit to Indonesia, Modi held "productive discussions" with President Joko Widodo. The two countries elevated their bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and condemned terrorism in all its forms, including cross-border terror. India and Indonesia also signed 15 agreements, including one to boost defense cooperation and called for freedom of navigation in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.