Prime Minister Narendra Modi touched down in Bandar Seri Begawan today, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Brunei Darussalam. Invited by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, PM Modi’s visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
In his departure statement, PM Modi expressed eagerness to elevate the longstanding relationship with Brunei. He highlighted the visit as a crucial step in exploring new areas of cooperation, including defense, trade, investment, energy, space technology, health, and cultural exchange.
This visit follows recent diplomatic engagements, including meetings between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Brunei’s Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof, underscoring the significance of India-Brunei relations in the broader context of ASEAN.
The historical ties between the two countries are further emphasized by past interactions, including the Brunei Sultan’s visits to India and PM Modi’s meetings with him at ASEAN summits. The Brunei Sultan has consistently advocated for India’s ‘Act East’ Policy, reinforcing India’s strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Indian naval and defense collaborations with Brunei have also seen significant growth, with Indian companies recently participating in Brunei’s Defence Industry Exposition. Additionally, the Indian expatriate community in Brunei, comprising around 14,500 individuals, plays a vital role in various sectors, including oil and gas, healthcare, and education.
Following his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will proceed to Singapore, where he aims to enhance further cooperation in digitalization, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable development, strengthening India’s strategic partnership with Singapore and the broader ASEAN region.
