Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah engaged in delegation-level talks on Wednesday, discussing a broad range of issues including defense, trade, investment, food security, education, energy, and space technology.
Their discussions aimed at strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Brunei.
The meeting at Istana Nurul Iman led to the signing and exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), marking a significant step in diplomatic engagement.
One notable MoU focused on cooperation in satellite and launch vehicle telemetry, tracking, and telecommand, signed by India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, HE Pengiran Dato Shamhary Pengiran Dato Mustapha.
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After the meeting, PM Modi departed for Singapore, continuing the second leg of his two-nation visit. He however described his visit to Brunei as “productive,” emphasizing that it ushers in a new era of stronger India-Brunei ties.
During a banquet hosted by Sultan Bolkiah, PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm reception and congratulated Brunei on the 40th anniversary of its independence.
He highlighted the deepening relationship between the two nations, recalling Sultan Bolkiah’s visit to India as Chief Guest on Republic Day in 2018.
PM Modi further reaffirmed India’s commitment to its ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific vision, stressing that Brunei’s partnership is crucial to both initiatives. He expressed confidence that the talks would strategically guide future relations.
PM Modi’s visit to Brunei marks the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation.