PM Narendra Modi wants Singapore's expertise to provide low-cost housing in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sought the help of Singapore's expertise in implementing his government's agenda of providing low-cost housing to all.

The issue came up when Singapore's Minister for Foreign and Law K Shanmugam called on Modi here as part of discussions on ways to expand cooperation in various areas, including good governance, development of smart cities, water management, shipping, port and coastal development.

The Prime Minister told Shanmugam that his government has laid thrust on providing low-cost housing for all and in this context he sought the help of Singapore's expertise, a PMO statement said. Modi has said providing low-cost housing is a priority for his government. He also intends to develop 100 smart cities in the country.

Shanmugam conveyed to Modi the message of Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong which said that the bilateral relationship needs to be strengthened further through concrete steps.

It was decided that a series of programmes will be held to commemorate the 50th year of establishment of diplomatic relations and a list will be prepared for the purpose.

Both the Prime Ministers are of the view that these programmes should be held in such a way that the relationship gets a boost, the statement said.