Singapore terms India a close ASEAN partner

Underscoring the importance of bilateral ties, Singapore has termed India its close ASEAN partner, noting that relations with New Delhi are multi-faceted and on an upward trend.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who met visiting External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid, further noted that business links and trade between the two countries has increased, and there is scope for further growth, said Lee.
Lee also encouraged India to expand its collaboration with ASEAN and the East Asia Summit member countries beyond existing initiatives, a media report said.
Khurshid, who ends his three-day visit today, also called on Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and Singapore'a Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean.

Goh and Khurshid exchanged views on the security and economic outlook for the Asia-Pacific region. They also discussed ways to advance bilateral relations, and how the trade and investment between India and ASEAN can be improved.
Teo and Khurshid reaffirmed the close and multi-faceted bilateral relations between Singapore and India, with many high-level visits between both countries and good people-to-people exchanges.
A Channel News Asia report said the two leaders discussed how to further strengthen the cooperation between both countries, especially on the economic front.
Khurshid also addressed the Institute of South Asia Studies and Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his visit to Singapore.