PM Modi congratulates new Singapore PM Lawrence Wong

NEW DELHI : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Wednesday evening congratulated new Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who took over as the city-state’s first new prime minister in 20 years.

In a message on X, PM Modi extended congratulations to Wong on assuming office and said he looks forward to working with him to further advance the Bilateral Strategic Partnership.

“Warmest congratulations to Lawrence Wong on assuming office as Prime Minister of Singapore. I look forward to working closely with you to further advance our Strategic Partnership,” he posted.

Wong took the oath of office on Wednesday in a televised ceremony at the national palace. He is the first Singaporean leader born after its independence in 1965. Wong is to retain his current position as finance minister as he takes charge of Singapore that was led for 20 years by Lee Hsien Loong, 72, the son of Lee Kuan Yew, the founder of modern Singapore.

Wong pledged to lead “with humility and a deep sense of duty” towards Singapore and its 5.9 million people. He promised to devote “every ounce of my energy” to them.

He rose to prominence in 2020 as co-chairperson of the pandemic task force and was named Lee’s successor in April 2022. He was promoted to deputy prime minister.