Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at his official residence Istana Nurul Iman and held bilateral meetings to strengthen the ties between India and Brunei.
The meetings also involved the reinforcement of India's commitment towards its 'Act East' policy and the advancement of its vision for the Indo-Pacific.
PM Modi was accorded a warm welcome by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his close family members.
After the meeting, PM Modi would attend an official lunch to be hosted by Sultan Bolkiah prior to departing later in the day for Singapore, the second leg of his two-nation visit.
The prime minister shared details of his meeting on social media platform X, as follows: "Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide-ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations. We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages, and people-to-people exchanges."
Later, during the day, PM Modi will reach Singapore, where India is expecting strong cooperation on areas of digital technology, skill development, sustainability, health care, connectivity and advanced manufacturing.
The Prime Minister arrived at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport on September 3 afternoon, marking the beginning of the two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam.
This trip gains significance as this is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to the Southeast Asian nation, which coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome. He was warmly received by Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei.
Upon his arrival at the hotel, PM Modi was given a rousing welcome by members of the Indian community in Brunei, including some children.
The prime minister also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, an important entity in the region and which is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei and father of the current Sultan Bolkiah.
During his visit, PM Modi interacted with local officials and scholars and the members of the Indian community in large numbers at the venue.
Besides that, PM Modi inaugurated a new chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei and was received joyfully by the Indian diaspora.
PM Modi termed it a symbol of strong ties between the two countries while inaugurating the new facility at the Jalan Duta Diplomatic Enclave next to the US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.
Prime Minister Modi complimented the Indian community in Brunei, recognizing them for their role as a living bridge between the two countries, further fortifying the bilateral relationship between them.
The visit has been focused on the exploration of new areas of cooperation in defence, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, culture, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.
Just last month, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had held a meeting with Brunei's Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof in Vientiane on the sidelines of the ASEAN meetings, while jointly launching the logo commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.
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