Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant visit to Brunei and Singapore, aimed at bolstering India's relations in critical areas such as defence, trade, and digitalization. This visit marks Modi's first to Brunei and his fifth to Singapore, reflecting the growing importance of these nations in India's Act East Policy and broader Indo-Pacific Vision.
In a departure statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of this visit, noting that it is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei Darussalam. He expressed optimism about reinforcing India's longstanding ties with Brunei and advancing the Strategic Partnership with Singapore.
Modi's itinerary includes meetings with Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other royal family members to further solidify the historical relationship between the two countries. He will also engage with key leaders in Singapore, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, focusing on deepening the Strategic Partnership, especially in advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development.
Strengthening Ties with Brunei
Brunei plays a crucial role in India's Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation, marks a milestone in the 40-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries. India and Brunei have robust cooperation across multiple sectors, including defence, trade, energy, space technology, health, and cultural exchanges.
During his time in Brunei, Modi will hold bilateral discussions aimed at enhancing collaboration in existing areas and exploring new avenues of cooperation. A key focus will be the maritime sector, particularly in line with India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative. Brunei's deep-water Muara port presents significant investment opportunities for India, offering potential geostrategic and economic benefits.
Singapore: A Strategic Partner
Following his visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Singapore, marking his fifth visit to the city-state. Singapore is India's largest trade partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching USD 36.6 billion in 2022-23. The country is also the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India, with significant contributions to various sectors, including fintech and defence.
The relationship between India and Singapore has seen extensive collaboration in fields like digital technology, skill development, and sustainability. Recent initiatives include the linkage of India's UPI with Singapore's PayNow and the 30th SIMBEX naval exercise. Modi's visit to Singapore is expected to further solidify this partnership, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
Modi’s visits to Brunei and Singapore underscore India’s commitment to strengthening strategic, economic, and cultural ties with these important Southeast Asian partners. The engagements are expected to enhance cooperation in emerging areas, contributing to India's overall regional strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
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