Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Brunei Darussalam for a landmark bilateral visit, marking the first-ever trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, which began this afternoon, was met with a warm reception from the Indian community in Brunei.
Upon arrival, PM Modi was greeted at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport by Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, who extended a ceremonial welcome. Following the guard of honor, the Prime Minister interacted with members of the Indian community who had gathered to see him, even taking the time to sign a drawing made by a child amidst cheers from onlookers.
The Prime Minister’s visit will involve discussions on a range of topics including defense, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. This visit comes as India and Brunei celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.
According to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, this historic visit is significant as it commemorates four decades of diplomatic ties between the two nations. The trip is also part of a broader three-day tour that includes Singapore, reflecting India’s deepening engagement with ASEAN.
Brunei has been a crucial partner in India’s ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ policies, which aim to strengthen cooperation with ASEAN countries. As the visit marks a decade of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, it underscores Brunei’s role in advancing these regional initiatives.
MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar highlighted Brunei’s importance as a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region and its role in India’s engagement with ASEAN, noting Brunei’s past role as a coordinator in ASEAN.
This visit not only aims to enhance bilateral relations but also to reinforce India’s commitment to regional cooperation and strategic partnerships. As PM Modi engages in meaningful dialogues and cultural exchanges, the trip reflects both the historical and strategic significance of the India-Brunei relationship.