PM Modi's historic visit to Brunei and Singapore: Key Highlights
PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a landmark state visit to Brunei, marking the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. Following his stay in Brunei, PM Modi will continue his two-nation tour with a visit to Singapore.
Top 10 Highlights from PM Modi's Two-Nation Tour
Historic Visit to Brunei: This marks the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Meeting at the Istana Nurul Iman Palace: On Day 2, PM Modi will meet Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at his official residence, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace. The palace, recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world, features 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and 44 staircases made from 38 types of marble.
Sultan’s Wealth and Reign: Sultan Bolkiah, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion, is the second-longest reigning monarch after the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Bilateral Discussions: At 8:50 am (IST), PM Modi engaged in bilateral talks with the Sultan, focusing on key areas such as defense, trade and investment, energy, space technology, and health. The two nations are expected to sign multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen their partnership.
Banquet at the Palace: Following the discussions, the Sultan will host a banquet lunch in honor of PM Modi at the Istana Nurul Iman Palace before his departure for Singapore at 11:20 am.
PM Modi’s Prior Meetings with the Sultan: The two leaders first met during the 25th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw in November 2014, and later during the 2017 East Asia Summit in Manila.
Prime Minister’s Statement: PM Modi expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, "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."
Visit to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: On Tuesday, PM Modi visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, known as one of the most renowned structures in the region. He also inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei.
Engagement with the Indian Community: PM Modi interacted with local officials, scholars, and members of the Indian community, who gathered in large numbers to welcome him.
Upcoming Singapore Visit: After Brunei, PM Modi will proceed to Singapore, where he will meet with the Indian community and be hosted for dinner by his counterpart, PM Lawrence Wong.
This historic tour is expected to further strengthen India's ties with Brunei and Singapore, advancing cooperation in multiple areas.
- With inputs from agencies
