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Singapore engagements to boost India’s ties with Asean, Indo-Pacific region: Modi

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New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS) Ahead of his visit to Singapore on November 14-15 for the annual India-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and East Asia Summits, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that his engagements there will help boost ties with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

“I will be visiting Singapore on 14-15 November to participate in the Asean-India and East Asia Summits (EAS),” Modi said in a pre-departure statement here.

“In addition, I would also participate in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) leaders’ meeting.”

“My participation in these meetings symbolizes our continued commitment to strengthening our engagement with Asean member states and with the wider Indo-Pacific region.”

Modi will attend the 13th EAS and his fifth India-Asean Summit during his 36-hour visit to the Southeast Asian city state.

The EAS member states comprise the 10 Asean nations — Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam — along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, the US and Russia.

The RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement between the Asean member states and the six countries with which this regional bloc has existing Free Trade Agreements — Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand.

The RCEP is expected to be concluded by the end of the year as New Delhi continues to increase its engagement with Southeast Asia under its Act East Policy.

On November 14, Modi will also deliver the keynote address at the Singapore Fintech Summit. India will be the largest participant at the event with 400 exhibitors.

Modi said that he will also have the opportunity to interact with the participants and winners of the joint India-Singapore Hackathon.

“It is my firm belief that if we provide the right encouragement and a nurturing ecosystem, our youth has the ability to become global leaders in providing solutions to the challenges facing humanity.”

“I am confident that my visit to Singapore will impart fresh momentum to our growing partnership with Asean and East Asia Summit nations,” he said.

India-Asean ties have acquired renewed momentum under New Delhi’s Act East Policy.

In January, India hosted the Asean-India Commemorative Summit to celebrate 25 years of dialogue partnership, 15 years of summit level interaction and five years of strategic partnership.

The Asean-India Summit in Singapore will provide an opportunity to review progress in the relationship, according to a statement issued by the External Affairs here.

It said that Modi will join other leaders to discuss international developmental issues such as smart cities, maritime cooperation, education, finance, food security, environment and energy.

“They will also deliberate on global and regional issues of mutual interest,” it stated.

On the sidelines of the summits, Modi will also hold bilateral meetings with Singapore Prime Minister Li Hsien Loong and US Vice President Mike Pence among other leaders.

–IANS
ab/soni/sed

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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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