His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam met with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on Wednesday at Istana Nurul Iman and held bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening the bond between Brunei and India.
The meetings also focused on reinforcing India’s commitment to its ‘Act East’ policy and advancing its vision of the Indo-Pacific.
Modi was warmly welcomed by His Majesty and members of the royal family.
The Prime Minister shared details of his meeting on social media platform X, stating, “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.”
During a bilateral meeting, His Majesty and the Prime Minister reflected on the excellent progress in bilateral relations over the years, including good cooperation in connectivity, trade and investment, energy, education, and health.
Both Leaders welcomed the planned direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand Station, which will benefit both countries.
His Majesty further expressed appreciation for the contributions of Indian nationals across various sectors to the socio-economic development of Brunei Darussalam.
Moving forward, His Majesty and His Excellency reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations to an “Enhanced Partnership” through the issuance of a Joint Statement on an Enhanced Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India during the official visit.
In addition, both Leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in ASEAN including Myanmar, climate change, developments in Palestine-Israel and developments in Russia-Ukraine.
Also present during the bilateral meeting was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.
After the conclusion of the bilateral meeting, a Joint Statement on an Enhanced Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India was issued.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of His Majesty and the Government of the Republic of India was on the Cooperation and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles and for Cooperation in the Field of Space Research, Science and Applications.
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty was Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary bin Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, while External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar represented the Government of the Republic of India.
The Prime Minister arrived at Bandar Seri Begawan Airport on Tuesday afternoon, marking the beginning of his two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam.
This visit is significant as it is the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, and it coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the countries.
Upon arrival, Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and was warmly received by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office.
As he arrived at his hotel, Modi received an enthusiastic reception from members of the Indian community in Brunei, including several children.
The prime minister also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
During his visit, Modi interacted with local officials, scholars, and members of the Indian community who had gathered in large numbers at the venue.
Additionally, Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, receiving a warm welcome from the Indian diaspora.
The new facility, located at the Jalan Duta Diplomatic Enclave adjacent to the US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, was lauded by Modi as a symbol of the strong ties between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the Indian community in Brunei, acknowledging their role as a living bridge between the two nations, further strengthening bilateral relations.
The visit focuses on exploring new avenues for cooperation in multiple areas, including defence, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, culture, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.
Last month, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Brunei’s Second Minister of Foreign Affairs jointly launched the logo commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India enjoy robust cooperation across key
sectors including trade, energy, defence, health, and education. The strategic partnership
between the Republic of India and ASEAN also serves as a strong foundation for further
enhancing bilateral relations. – ANN/THE STATESMAN
