Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam, marking the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, comes as the two nations celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.

Upon his arrival at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to advance the deep-rooted ties between India and Brunei. "As we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, I look forward to meeting His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to elevate our historical relationship to new heights," Modi stated.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will engage in comprehensive discussions to explore new avenues of cooperation in key sectors such as defense, trade, energy, space technology, health, and cultural exchanges. This visit underscores Brunei's strategic importance in India's 'Act East' policy and the broader Indo-Pacific vision.

The trip builds on past engagements, including a 2014 meeting between Modi and Sultan Bolkiah at the ASEAN Summit and the Sultan’s participation in the 2018 ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. Brunei has consistently supported India's efforts to strengthen ties with ASEAN, serving as a key partner in regional cooperation.

India’s defense ties with Brunei have also seen significant growth, with Indian naval and coast guard ships regularly visiting the country. Indian defense companies recently participated in Brunei’s Defence Industry Exposition, receiving commendation from the Sultan and Crown Prince.

Following his Brunei visit, PM Modi will travel to Singapore to discuss further cooperation in areas like digitalization, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. His meetings with Singapore’s top leadership aim to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations and reinforce India's ties with ASEAN as a whole.

This landmark visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations, paving the way for stronger regional partnerships and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam, marking the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. The visit, at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, comes as the two nations celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.

Upon his arrival at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport, PM Modi expressed his eagerness to advance the deep-rooted ties between India and Brunei. "As we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, I look forward to meeting His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to elevate our historical relationship to new heights," Modi stated.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will engage in comprehensive discussions to explore new avenues of cooperation in key sectors such as defense, trade, energy, space technology, health, and cultural exchanges. This visit underscores Brunei's strategic importance in India's 'Act East' policy and the broader Indo-Pacific vision.

The trip builds on past engagements, including a 2014 meeting between Modi and Sultan Bolkiah at the ASEAN Summit and the Sultan’s participation in the 2018 ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. Brunei has consistently supported India's efforts to strengthen ties with ASEAN, serving as a key partner in regional cooperation.

India’s defense ties with Brunei have also seen significant growth, with Indian naval and coast guard ships regularly visiting the country. Indian defense companies recently participated in Brunei’s Defence Industry Exposition, receiving commendation from the Sultan and Crown Prince.

Following his Brunei visit, PM Modi will travel to Singapore to discuss further cooperation in areas like digitalization, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. His meetings with Singapore’s top leadership aim to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations and reinforce India's ties with ASEAN as a whole.

This landmark visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations, paving the way for stronger regional partnerships and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.