PM Modi Brunei & Singapore Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Brunei on Tuesday, marking the first head of government visit between the two countries since their diplomatic relations began more than four decades ago. The key visit reflects New Delhi’s priorities to reach out and engage Brunei more intensely on issues like defense, trade, and space technology. The visit comes at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and is expected to open the way to establishing a joint working group in defense.
Strategic Talks Await in Singapore
Before starting his two nation tour PM Modi tweeted, “Over the next two days, will be visiting Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. During the various engagements in these nations, the focus will be on further deepening India’s ties with them. India-Brunei Darussalam diplomatic ties complete 40 glorious years. I look forward to meeting His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. In Singapore, I will hold talks with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. We are eager to further cement ties in key sectors.”
After his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will begin a two-day visit to Singapore on September 4 that culminates on September 5. He will have discussions with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. The visit by PM Modi would mark his first to Singapore in nearly six years and is particularly significant because it is taking place at the beginning of his third term as Prime Minister.
India-Singapore Ties Strengthen Under New Leadership
The MEA said it was a timely visit, as the new leadership in Singapore provided a more improved bilateral relationship. India-Singapore relations have been consistently growing across trade, investment, defense cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable has adopted newer domains of cooperation comprising digitization, sustainability, health, and advanced manufacturing.
The Exchange of several MoUs is expected to take place during PM Modi’s visit on food security, renewables, green hydrogen, and semiconductors. Singapore is India’s largest trade partner within the ASEAN region and has become key in India’s economic strategy as the largest source of FDI with $ 11.77 billion in the last financial year. The visit by PM Modi to Brunei and Singapore is part of India’s ‘Act East’ Policy, with the aim of developing relations with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific region.