PM Modi arrives in Brunei, engages with Indian diaspora

New Delhi, Sep 03: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei today for an official visit at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

The visit is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei. He was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport.

Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new Chancery premises of the High Commission of India in Brunei during his visit. The inauguration ceremony included the lighting of a lamp and the unveiling of a plaque.

The chancery complex, featuring traditional motifs and lush tree plantations, is a blend of classic and contemporary elements, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage. Modi expressed his delight over the new chancery in a tweet, stating, “Delighted to inaugurate the new chancery of the High Commission of India. Indicative of our stronger ties with Brunei Darussalam. This will also be serving our diaspora.”

The Prime Minister also interacted with members of the Indian community who attended the inauguration. He appreciated their role as a "living bridge" between India and Brunei, acknowledging their contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.

The Indian community in Brunei, which began arriving in the 1920s following the discovery of oil, currently numbers around 14,000. The contributions of Indian doctors and teachers to Brunei’s healthcare and education sectors have been particularly well recognised.

As part of his itinerary, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to visit the iconic mosque built by the father of the Sultan.

Tomorrow, he will hold talks with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, focusing on the future of India-Brunei relations. Brunei is considered an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision, and the two countries share a friendly relationship marked by mutual respect and understanding on various bilateral and multilateral issues.

Before departing for Brunei, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "Today, I am embarking on a first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. As we celebrate the 40 years of our diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to advance our historical relationship to new heights."

Following his visit to Brunei, the Prime Minister will travel to Singapore on September 4, where he is scheduled to meet key leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.