SINGAPORE'S CONGRATULATORY LETTERS TO INDIA ON THE OCCASION OF INDIA'S 68TH INDEPENDENCE DAY, 15 AUGUST 2014

President Tony Tan Keng Yam has written to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee to convey his congratulations on the occasion of Indian’s 68th Independence Day on 15 August 2014.  Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convey his best wishes.

President’s and PM’s congratulatory letters are attached.

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Congratulatory Message from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to President Pranab Mukherjee

15 August 2014

His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee

President

Republic of India

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend my best wishes to Your Excellency and the people of India on India’s 68th Independence Day.

India is a cherished friend of Singapore, and over the years, we have managed to foster deep and enduring linkages at various levels.  Our excellent state of relations is manifested in substantive collaboration in many fields, and I am, in this regard, greatly heartened that we are looking to further expand our cooperation.  It is my sincere hope that our longstanding friendship will continue to blossom for the mutual and lasting benefit of our people.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties, I look forward to meeting you in India next year and welcoming you to Singapore as well.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

TONY TAN KENG YAM

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Congratulatory Message from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Prime Minister Narendra Modi

15 August 2014

Dear Prime Minister Modi,

My warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of India on the joyous occasion of India’s 68th Independence Day. I am confident that India will continue to achieve new heights under your government’s able leadership.

Singapore’s unique bond with India is underpinned by decades of shared history, culture and kinship. Our friendship has broadened and deepened considerably over the years. Today, Singapore is one of India’s top investors and trading partners. Our defence ties are also very strong, and we work closely in various multilateral fora.

Next year, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our diplomatic relations.  It will be a fitting time for us to explore new pathways of cooperation and elevate our ties to a higher level. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule, amid your many pressing priorities, to meet my Foreign Minister Mr. K Shanmugum.  He told me it was a good meeting where you discussed the excellent state of our relationship and how our two countries could work more closely together.  I look forward to meeting you for the first time later this year to continue the discussion.

May I take this opportunity to wish you good health and every success.

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Narendra Modi

Prime Minister

Republic of India