Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a historic visit to Brunei Darussalam from September 3-4, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. This visit holds particular significance as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in comprehensive discussions aimed at enhancing existing bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration. According to an official from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), defense cooperation remains a cornerstone of the relationship between the two countries, with efforts underway to establish a Joint Working Group dedicated to this sector.
The MEA official highlighted that the Prime Minister's visit to Brunei comes at the invitation of the Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Following his time in Brunei, PM Modi will continue his tour with a visit to Singapore from September 4-5.
The strong and friendly relationship between India and Brunei spans various sectors, including defense, trade and investment, energy, space, technology, health, and cultural exchanges. The Indian diaspora in Brunei, numbering around 14,000, plays a vital role in the country's economy, particularly in the fields of healthcare and education.
Notably, Brunei has provided significant support to India's space program. The two countries have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in this area, including the establishment of a telemetry tracking and command station in Brunei that monitors India's satellite launches.
Brunei is considered a key partner in India's Act East Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific region. The defense cooperation between the two nations is underscored by an MoU signed in 2016, which was renewed in 2021, facilitating high-level exchanges, naval collaborations, joint exercises, and participation in defense exhibitions.
The visit is expected to reinforce and expand the strategic partnership between India and Brunei, with both nations looking to deepen cooperation across multiple domains.
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