New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a historic visit to Brunei today, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Brunei holds a significant place in India’s “Act East” policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. The MEA stated that PM Modi’s visit aims to enhance cooperation in existing sectors such as defense, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health, and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the visit will explore new areas of collaboration, reinforcing the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
The Indian Diaspora in Brunei has gained considerable respect for their contributions across various sectors, including education, healthcare, engineering, and labor. The community is eagerly anticipating PM Modi’s visit, viewing it as a recognition of their role in Brunei’s development. One member of the Indian Diaspora remarked, “We have contributed so much, and Bruneians have started respecting us. With PM Modi coming here, everyone is excited.”
Following his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will travel to Singapore, where he will meet with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and engage with the Singaporean leadership. The visit will focus on reviewing the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and discussing regional and global issues of mutual interest.
The Prime Minister will also interact with business leaders in Singapore, with the aim of further strengthening bilateral ties, as well as cooperation within regional and multilateral frameworks. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the India-Singapore ministerial roundtable, noting that the relationship between the two nations has “deepened and strengthened” since the first roundtable in 2022.
PM Modi’s visits to Brunei and Singapore are expected to bolster India’s relationships with both countries, reinforcing cooperation across a wide range of sectors and contributing to regional stability and growth.
