On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a significant two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, aiming to bolster India’s ties with both nations and deepen engagement within the ASEAN region. This visit marks PM Modi’s first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei, a historic moment as the two countries celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.
Ahead of his visit, PM Modi expressed confidence that this milestone visit would elevate the longstanding India-Brunei relationship to new heights. He highlighted the importance of fostering cooperation across a wide array of sectors, including defense, trade, investment, energy, space technology, and health. Additionally, cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections are set to receive a boost during this diplomatic engagement.
Addressing the significance of his visit, PM Modi remarked, “Today, I am embarking on my first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. 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.”
During his stay in Brunei, the Prime Minister will meet with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and key members of the Royal family to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The visit is expected to solidify defense ties, facilitate trade and investment, and explore new opportunities in emerging sectors.
After concluding his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will travel to Singapore on Wednesday, where he will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. These discussions will focus on reviewing the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and addressing regional and global issues of mutual concern.
In Singapore, PM Modi is scheduled to engage with key business leaders to foster collaboration in new and emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development. The visit is seen as a critical step in strengthening India’s Act East Policy and furthering its Indo-Pacific Vision.
“Both countries are important partners in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. I am confident that my visits will further strengthen our partnership with Brunei, Singapore, and the larger ASEAN region,” PM Modi added.
