Key highlights: Singapore a metaphor for dreams becoming reality, says Narendra Modi

Lauding the achievements of Singapore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the nation has become a metaphor for the reality of dreams.

Prime Minister Modi, who was delivering the 37th Singapore Lecture in the presence of his counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, said the size of the nation is no barrier to the scale of its achievements.

"And the lack of resources is no constraint for inspiration, imagination and innovation. When a nation embraces diversity, it can unite behind a common purpose," he said.

Prime Minister Modi further said international leadership flows from the power of thought and not just from the orthodox measures of strength.

"Singapore has done more than just lift a nation into the highest levels of prosperity within a generation. It has inspired this region's progress and led in its integration. And, it has made others believe that the possibility of progress is within our horizons, not an unseen and distant hope," he added.

Prime Minister Modi said he was conscious of the fact that he walked in the footsteps of leaders, who have shaped modern India and the nation's relationship with this region.

"To the people of Singapore, on the 50 years of Independence, I extend greetings of 1.25 billion friends and admirers. I can do no better than to begin with homage to one of the tallest leaders of our times, the architect of modern Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew," he said.

The Prime Minister said that Lee Kuan Yew was a personal inspiration for him and added that he drew many lessons from his stories.

-ANI