Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made history by becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Brunei, a small Southeast Asian nation.
The Prime Minister is currently on a two-day visit to Brunei and Singapore. After concluding bilateral talks in Brunei, he will depart for Singapore later this evening. During his stay in Brunei, PM Modi will meet Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and have dinner at his official palace.
This visit marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei, and it is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to this country.
On the first day of his visit, Prime Minister Modi was honored with a formal welcome ceremony in Brunei. He inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India in Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
During the inauguration, PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian community present at the event. He appreciated their role as a living bridge between India and Brunei, contributing to the strengthening of bilateral relations. The arrival of Indians in Brunei dates back to the 1920s, coinciding with the discovery of oil.
According to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Brunei is a significant partner in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.
India and Brunei share cordial relations, characterized by mutual respect and understanding on both bilateral and multilateral issues. Their connection is deeply rooted in a shared history, culture, and traditions that have developed over more than a thousand years.
During this visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in discussions with Brunei’s leadership on various aspects of bilateral relations and explore new areas of cooperation.
PM Modi’s Visit to Singapore
Ahead of his visit, Prime Minister Modi stated that the discussions would further deepen the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership. “I look forward to discussions that will deepen our Strategic Partnership with Singapore, particularly in new and emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing, digitization, and sustainable development,” said PM Modi.
He also emphasized that both Brunei and Singapore are important partners in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision.
