Indian PM delivers lecture in Singapore

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday delivered a lecture in Singapore, soon after arriving in the country for a two-day state visit.

In the speech, titled "India's Singapore Story," Modi paid tribute to the late Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew and recognized the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the anchor for India's Act East policy.

Like Singapore, India is investing in education, public utilities and sustainable habitats, Modi said, while valuing the good working relationship between India and ASEAN.

"India will work with countries in the region and beyond including the U.S. and Russia, our East Asia Summit partners, to ensure that our commons -- ocean, space and cyber -- remain avenues of shared prosperity, and not become new theaters of contest," he said.

He also said that ASEAN is leading the way for Asian regionalism and he fully supported an early completion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Over 1,000 guests have attended the lecture, including Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The lecture was chaired by Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

Modi's visit came as Singapore and India celebrates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. As a way to mark this occasion, both countries will elevate relations by signing the Strategic Partnership Joint Declaration.

The declaration will outline bilateral cooperation in areas including smart cities and urban solutions, skills development, connectivity and economic cooperation, according to the local Strait Times.

On Tuesday, Modi will deliver a special address at the India-Singapore Economic Convention and visit ITE College Central. Endit