PM Modi Conducts Delegation-Level Talks with Brunei’s Sultan, Then Heads to Singapore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei conducted high-level talks on Wednesday, discussing a range of topics including defense, trade and investment, food security, education, energy, and space technology. The discussions, held at Istana Nurul Iman, aimed at enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.
Following the talks, India and Brunei signed and exchanged several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), marking a significant milestone in their diplomatic ties. One notable MoU focused on cooperation in operating a Telemetry, Tracking, and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles, signed by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications H.E. Pengiran Dato Shamhary Pengiran Dato Mustapha.
After concluding his visit to Brunei, PM Modi departed for Singapore, continuing the second leg of his two-nation tour.
In a post on X, PM Modi described his visit to Brunei as productive, noting it marked the beginning of a stronger partnership between India and Brunei. He expressed gratitude to Brunei for its hospitality and affection, and congratulated the nation on the 40th anniversary of its independence during a banquet hosted by Sultan Bolkiah.
“On behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you and the people of Brunei. Our centuries-old cultural ties form the foundation of our friendship,” PM Modi stated, recalling Sultan Bolkiah’s visit to India as the Chief Guest at Republic Day in 2018.
He expressed pleasure at meeting the Sultan at the start of his third term as Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of Brunei’s partnership in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Modi also reaffirmed India’s commitment to these strategic goals.
In his social media post, PM Modi emphasized the successful discussions and future plans to expand trade, commercial linkages, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
This visit is historic as it marks the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei. Upon arrival at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport, 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.
During his visit, PM Modi also toured the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a landmark named after Brunei’s 28th Sultan, and inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, where he was warmly greeted by the Indian diaspora.
The visit underscored the exploration of new cooperation areas, including defense, trade, investment, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, and vibrant cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
