Next year, India and Singapore will mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a focus on enhancing people-to-people connections, said Indian High Commissioner to Singapore, Shilpak Ambule, on Saturday. Speaking at the inauguration of ‘Namaste Bharat’—a trade fair showcasing India’s soft power—he mentioned that a comprehensive programme is being planned for the celebrations.
“We often overlook the true potential of our soft power. It’s this rich tradition of dance, culture, and arts that binds us together and deserves greater promotion,” Ambule stated to an audience of over 300 attendees at the event of celebrating diplomatic relations.
He praised the various platforms and groups in Singapore that actively promote Indian classical dance, folk dance, traditional instruments, and artwork, highlighting how these elements are integral to India’s identity.
“‘Namaste Bharat’ is not just an exhibition—it’s a celebration of India’s spirit. The 12th edition this year once again showcases the inspiring journey of modern India and the immense opportunities it offers to businesses and communities alike,” said Purnima Kamath, founder and CEO of De Ideaz, the Singapore-based event organizer.
The ‘Namaste Bharat’ event features a variety of ‘Made in India’ products, many of which are part of the Government of India’s ‘One-District One-Product’ initiative. The three-day exhibition is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors.
One of the highlighted products is millets, which are being presented by several organizations. Sorghum United, an NGO established in 2023 after the United Nations declared it the ‘International Year of Millets,’ has been advocating for increased millet consumption worldwide. Sorghum United’s CEO, Nate Blum, shared with media that bakeries in the United States are preparing to produce millet-based products, and millet pasta is already being manufactured in some countries.
Additionally, Dr. Khadar Valli, a renowned advocate of millet-based health practices, is among the experts at the event, offering insights into incorporating millets into daily diets for better health.
