‘India is Proud of You’: PM Modi Congratulates Paralympics Medallists During Brunei Visit

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called India's Paralympic medalists participating in Paris, extolled the country on its proud achievements.

"After the day's programmes in Brunei Darussalam, called our Paralympic Champions and congratulated them. India is proud of our athletes," posted PM Modi on Instagram. He had just arrived in Brunei for the first-ever official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian country.

India so far has managed 15 medals in Paris, comprising three gold, five silver, and seven bronze. Paras-badminton has now become the most rewarding sport for India, with five medals, while para-shooting is the second-best discipline with four medals.

Yogesh Kathuniya (discus throw - silver) and Sumit Antil (javelin throw - gold) on phone, the Prime Minister said. "Sir, a big thank you, as inspite of being busy, you called me," Kathuniya said. "मैं देश के लिये जीता हूं, I live for the country," replied PM Modi. If any Indian anywhere in the world does anything good, I automatically get connected with him or her."

Sumit Antil told the Prime Minister: "Your talk always motivates us… Will try my best to excel in the next competition as well". The PM replied with: "You come from an Army family. The country lives in your heart. We are all out of the country and representing it in different fields. With our honesty and dedication, India will get recognised around the globe.

On Tuesday, the prime minister landed at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport for a two-day visit to Brunei on the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. PM Modi's visit comes as the two countries mark the 40th year of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Immediately after his arrival, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome and was greeted as an honored guest by Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office in Brunei.