Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, arrived in Brunei on the first leg of his two-nation trip, during which he had a busy schedule– from unveiling an Indian High Commission to visiting a mosque. On Wednesday, he is slated to hold talks with the country’s top leadership.
Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Brunei on a bilateral visit, said he was looking forward to his meetings with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family to advance the historical relationship to new heights.
“Landed in Brunei Darussalam. Looking forward to strong ties between our nations, especially in boosting commercial and cultural linkages. I thank Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah for welcoming me at the airport,” Modi said in a post on X.
As a special gesture, Prime Minister Modi was received by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport. Modi was accorded a warm welcome and given a guard of honour at the airport.
“PM @narendramodi alights in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
“This visit is special as it is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM and is taking place as the two countries are celebrating 40 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year,” Jaiswal added. The prime minister expressed confidence in advancing India’s historical ties with Brunei Darussalam and deepening its strategic partnership with Singapore during his three-day visit to the two countries.
Later in the day, he inaugurated the new chancery premises of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, terming it as indicative of stronger ties between the two countries.
“Delighted to inaugurate the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, indicative of our stronger ties with Brunei Darussalam. This will also be serving our diaspora,” Prime Minister Modi said in a post on X.
