Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Brunei Darussalam for a groundbreaking two-day visit, marking the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, which began this afternoon, is being conducted at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and comes as the two countries celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.
In his departure statement, PM Modi expressed enthusiasm about the visit, stating, “As we celebrate the 40 years of our diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to advance our historical relationship to new heights.” He will be focusing on exploring new avenues for cooperation across various sectors including defense, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, culture, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.
The visit comes after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Brunei’s Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof last month to launch a logo commemorating four decades of diplomatic ties between the two countries. PM Modi’s visit will further solidify these ties and explore enhanced collaboration in multiple areas.
Key Agenda Points:
- Bilateral Discussions: PM Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other Bruneian officials to strengthen cooperation in defense, trade, and investment, among other sectors.
- Defense and Security: The visit is expected to address aspects of defense cooperation, with Indian naval and coast guard ships having previously visited Brunei. Indian defense companies participated in the Defence Industry Exposition organized by Brunei Armed Forces in June 2024, showcasing ongoing military collaboration.
- Economic and Cultural Ties: The visit will also focus on expanding economic ties and cultural exchanges. There are around 14,500 Indians residing in Brunei, contributing to sectors like oil and gas, construction, and education.
- “Look East” and “Act East” Policies: Brunei’s support for India’s “Look East” and “Act East” policies will be highlighted, with discussions on enhancing engagement with ASEAN and advancing India’s Indo-Pacific vision.
Following his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will travel to Singapore to further India’s strategic partnership with the city-state, focusing on areas such as digitalization, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable development. The visit to Singapore will build on recent interactions between Indian and Singaporean officials, including the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held in Singapore.
Sources By Agencies
