PM Lee Hsien Loong makes 3-day visit to India

Singapore and India are set to boost cooperation in vocational education and skills development through the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding or M-O-U. 

This will take place during Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's 3-day visit to India starting today.

The first MOU is between the Ministry of Education and India's Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The second is between Singapore's Institute of Technical Education and the State Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi's Department of Training and Technical Education on the establishment of a World Class Skills Centre in Delhi.  

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office says both Prime Minister Lee and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh will witness the signing ceremony. 

They will also witness the renewal of the Bilateral Agreement for the Conduct of Joint Military Training and Exercises between the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Indian Air Force.  

Also being inaugurated during PM Lee's visit to New Delhi is the India-Singapore Parliamentary Friendship Group. 

During his visit, Mr Lee will attend a Welcome Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace, followed by a Wreath Laying ceremony at Raj Ghat, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.  

He will also call on Indian President Madam Pratibha Patil and Vice-President Dr Mohammad Hamid Ansari.  

Mr Lee will deliver the keynote address at a Business Summit co-organised by three Indian business chambers.

He will also participate in a Dialogue Session at the Singapore Symposium organised by the Institute of South Asian Studies and the Aspen Institute India.

Mr Lee last visited India in June 2005.

He is accompanied by Mrs Lee, Speaker of Parliament Michael Palmer, Minister for Education Heng Swee Keat, and several Members of Parliament. 

During PM Lee's absence, Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang will be the Acting Prime Minister.