'Singapore name comes from Sanskrit': Ex-deputy PM hails India ties; calls relationship 'deeply rooted' in history

NEW DELHI: Singapore’s former deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said his country’s name is derived from Sanskrit and noted that its ties with India are 'deeply rooted in history.

'Hean, who is the chairman of Singapore-based investment firm Temasek and serves as a senior advisor to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, made the remarks in his speech at the 5th Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial lecture in Delhi on Tuesday."The bond between the two nations is deeply rooted in history, as the name Singapore is derived from Sanskrit, reflecting India’s early influence in Southeast Asia. Modern Singapore was established by the British East India Company in 1819 and, until 1867, it was administered from Kolkata," he said.“Bilateral relations between the two countries were elevated to foster a strategic partnership during PM Modi’s last visit to Singapore in September, reflecting their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation,” the former naval officer added.Hean also acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the city-state, saying, “The Indian diaspora has constituted a significant share of Singapore’s migrant community, shaping our economy, culture, and the diverse social fabric we treasure today.”

He further appreciated India’s approach to sustainable development: “India’s vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development is a powerful rallying call in a fragmented world and resonates with us today.”Diplomatic relations between the two naitonss were established in August 1965, just fifteen days after Singapore gained independence.