Singapore’s former deputy prime minister, Teo Chee Hean, on Tuesday drew a direct line between India and Singapore’s shared past, noting that even the name of the island nation carries the imprint of India’s ancient influence

“The name Singapore or Singapura was derived from Sanskrit. This reflects India’s early influence in Southeast Asia. Until 1867, Singapore was administered from Calcutta,” Teo said, while delivering the 5th Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture in New Delhi.

"The name Singapore or Singapura was derived from Sanskrit. This reflects India's early influence in Southeast Asia. Until 1867, Singapore was administered from Calcutta," says Singapore's former Deputy PM Teo Chee Hean pic.twitter.com/yKbKNDgu5p — Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) December 9, 2025

Teo, who

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