Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei on Wednesday at the Sultan’s official residence, Istana Nurul Iman. The bilateral meetings focused on enhancing the relationship between India and Brunei and underscored India’s commitment to its ‘Act East’ policy and vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and his family warmly welcomed PM Modi. Following their discussions, the Prime Minister will attend an official luncheon hosted by the Sultan before departing for Singapore, marking the second leg of his two-nation visit.
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On social media platform X, PM Modi shared, “Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide-ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations. We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages, and people-to-people exchanges.”
PM Modi’s visit to Brunei is notable as it marks the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation and coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
Ceremonial Welcome
Upon his arrival at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport on Tuesday afternoon, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome from Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei. The Indian community in Brunei gave him a warm reception, including an enthusiastic group of children.
During his visit, PM Modi also toured the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a landmark named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, and interacted with local officials, scholars, and members of the Indian diaspora.
Additionally, PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei. Located in the Jalan Duta Diplomatic Enclave, the new facility was praised by PM Modi as a symbol of the strong relationship between the two nations. He commended the Indian community in Brunei for their role in bridging the gap between the two countries and enhancing bilateral relations.
The visit aims to explore new opportunities for cooperation in various fields, including defense, trade and investment, energy, space technology, healthcare, capacity building, and cultural exchanges. Last month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Brunei’s Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof launched a logo commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations during ASEAN meetings in Vientiane.
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