Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a landmark visit to Brunei, the first by an Indian leader, as he begins a two-day tour on September 3rd and 4th. This visit is being hailed as historic by Indian High Commissioner to Brunei, Alok Amitabh Dimri, who emphasized the deep civilizational connections between the two nations.
During the visit, Modi is expected to engage in high-level discussions with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the Brunei Royal Family. The visit is a significant milestone in the four-decade diplomatic relationship between India and Brunei.
Dimri highlighted that the visit underscores the historical and cultural links between India and Southeast Asia, noting that Brunei and India have shared deep historical bonds in areas such as language, architecture, and religious traditions.
The Indian envoy explained that traditional Indian customs, such as the greeting of “namaskar” and “pranam,” are reflected in Brunei’s cultural practices. This historical connection is seen as a foundation for the ongoing diplomatic engagement.
Modi’s visit is anticipated to result in a joint statement and the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements are expected to cover various areas of mutual interest, including India’s support for Brunei’s space initiatives through its space station collaboration.
The visit also aims to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation. Dimri noted that despite Brunei’s small size and economy, the Indian diaspora, including communities from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Sindh, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, has made significant contributions to the nation.
The Indian High Commissioner underscored the importance of understanding the geographical and economic context of Brunei, which has a population of around 400,000 people. He stressed that despite these challenges, the bilateral relationship remains strong and multifaceted.
Brunei plays a key role in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Following the Brunei visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Singapore to continue his tour from September 4-5.
The visit marks a crucial step in enhancing India-Brunei relations, reflecting both nations’ commitment to deepening their ties and addressing shared interests on the global stage.