Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah today. The discussions are likely to touch upon all aspects of bilateral relations and also explore new areas of cooperation. Several MoUs are expected to be exchanged following the talks.
Mr. Modi reached Bandar Seri Begawan yesterday on the first leg of his two-nation tour to Brunei and Singapore. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome and received by the Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei, Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.
This is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei. The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India in Bandar Seri Begawan. He also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei. Our correspondent has filed this report:
India shares a very warm and friendly relationship with Brunei. The bilateral engagements cover multiple areas such as Defence, Trade and Investment, Energy, Space technology, Health, Capacity Building, Culture and vibrant people-to-people exchanges. India has received valuable support from Brunei in its space program, with three MoUs with Brunei in this area.
Defence is another important pillar in the bilateral cooperation. Both nations are also working towards establishing a joint working group for cooperation in the area of defence. India has been importing hydrocarbons from Brunei. In the long run, New Delhi would like to have more predictable supplies with longer-term contracts from Brunei, especially in the area of natural gas.
Prime Minister Modi will head for Singapore later today for the second leg of his two-nation visit at the invitation of his counterpart, Lawrence Wong. The leaders will review the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. He will be visiting Singapore after nearly six years. India has robust defence cooperation with Singapore, and trade and investment flows have shown steady growth. Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN and a leading source of foreign direct investment.
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