Singapore PM assures care, safety for Indian workers: Modi

In a phone chat, Singapore Premier Lee Hsien Loong has assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide care and safety to all migrant Indian workers in the island-nation during the pandemic.The two leaders exchanged views on the health and economic challenges posed by COVID-19 and updated each other on the measures being adopted in their respective countries to tackle the pandemic, the External Affairs Ministry said n a statement. PM Modi promised to provide essential supplies, including medical products, to Singapore, and also expressed his appreciation for the support being extended to the Indian citizens in Singapore.Both leaders stressed the importance of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership in the fight against COVID-19 and agreed to work together to address the present and future challenges posed by the virus. The Indian leader conveyed his best wishes for the health and well being of the people of Singapore during the present crisis.In a Facebook post, Mr Lee also outlined his phone call with Mr Modi. “I assured him that we will care for Indian migrant workers here, just as we care for Singaporeans. The migrant workers made personal sacrifices to come to work here,” said Mr Lee. “They have made many contributions to Singapore, so we have a responsibility for them.” He added: “Appreciate PM Modi’s affirmation of our efforts in looking after the migrant workers, and his assurance that they will not forget this.”He also thanked Mr Modi for India’s help in bringing back some Singaporeans from India recently. “We agreed to work together on the challenges posed by the pandemic, keep supply chains intact, and keep essential supplies flowing,” Mr Lee said. Singapore has seen over 11,000 COVID-19 cases as of April 23.