Modi to deliver keynote address at Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Indonesia and Singapore from May 29 to June 2, during which attend the Shangri-La Dialogue, an inter-governmental security forum held annually.

This time the Shangri-La Dialogue will be held in Singapore and PM Modi will deliver the key note address on June 1.

"Prime Minister's visit to Indonesia and Singapore will be from 29 May to 2 June, during this visit PM will also deliver the key note address at Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on 1 June," MEA's Secretary East Preeti Saran said. She said this is the first time that an Indian prime minister has been invited to deliver the keynote address.

The prime minister is also likely to sign key agreements in various sectors with both the nations, reported PTI.

Saran said the dialogue gives the prime minister an opportunity to articulate his thoughts about India's policy on peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region, which she said will be the focus of his keynote address.

The Shangri-La Dialogue was conceived by the current IISS Director-General and Chief Executive Sir John Chipman in 2001 in response to the clear need for a forum where the Asia Pacific defence ministers could engage in dialogue aimed at building confidence and fostering practical security cooperation.