PM Narendra Modi’s Historic Visit to Brunei: Strengthening Bilateral Ties on 40th Anniversary

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Dated 3rd September 2024

By B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

Brunei | Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, today on an official visit at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. This marks the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome and warmly received by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei. The Prime Minister’s visit is seen as a significant step in enhancing the relationship between India and Brunei.

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During his visit, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new Chancery premises of the High Commission of India in Brunei. In a symbolic gesture, he lit a lamp and unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. He also took the opportunity to interact with members of the Indian community present at the event. The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for their role as a living bridge between the two countries and their contributions to strengthening bilateral ties. The Indian community in Brunei, numbering around 14,000, has been instrumental in the growth of the healthcare and education sectors in the country since the first wave of Indian arrivals in the 1920s.

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In addition to these engagements, Prime Minister Modi visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan. He was received by Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs, H.E. Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin, and Minister of Health, Dato Dr. Haji Mohammad Isham. A group of Indian community members were also present to greet the Prime Minister at the mosque, which stands as a significant symbol of Brunei’s cultural and religious heritage, having been completed in 1958 during the reign of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the father of the current Sultan.

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This visit by Prime Minister Modi is expected to further deepen the friendly relations between India and Brunei, building on the strong historical and cultural ties that have been cultivated over the past four decades.