Singapore an inspiration for Indians, says PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived in Singapore on his maiden official visit to Singapore during which the two countries will sign an agreement to elevate their relations to strategic partnership.

Later delivering the 37th Singapore Lecture on 'India's Singapore Story', Modi said that India and Singapore share a special relationship. Singapore's success was an aspiration of Indians, he said.

India will lend its strength to keep the seas safe, secure and free for the benefit of all, he said. ''The world must speak in one voice and countries must be held accountable for (terror) sanctuaries and support,'' he added.

He called Asia's re-emergence ''the greatest phenomenon of our era''.

Saying that Singapore is a nation that has become a metaphor for the reality of dreams, he added, ''For me, Lee Kuan Yew (the founder of modern Singapore) was a personal inspiration. From his [book] Singapore Stories, I drew many lessons.''

Modi arrived in the island state on the second leg of his two-nation trip after wrapping up his three-day visit to Malaysia during which he attended the ASEAN and East Asia Summits besides holding talks with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak.

During his Singapore visit, Prime Minister Modi will meet his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, President Tony Tan Keng Yam and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.

An official welcome ceremony will be held for Modi on Tuesday, the final day of his two-day visit.

The two premiers will sign the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership to boost bilateral ties.