The agreement, a comprehensive and significant economic accord along the lines of an enlarged free trade agreement, is expected to cover investment, trade and taxation.

"There are one or two issues left outstanding, not yet resolved, but I discussed these with Mr. Manmohan Singh and we did not see any reason why we should allow these issues to hold matters up," said Prime Minister Lee, who noted that Mr. Singh had invited him to New Delhi to sign the trade agreement once it is completed and that he looked forward to being there.