PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Brunei: Strengthening India-Brunei Ties
India’s High Commissioner to Brunei, Alok Amitabh Dimri, has called Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Brunei a ‘historic moment’ for the relationship between the two countries and the Indian community in Brunei. PM Modi will be on a two-day official visit to Brunei from September 3-4, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei.
Deep Historical Connections
Dimri highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between India and Brunei, noting that both nations have been civilizational neighbors. He mentioned that Indian culture has significantly influenced Brunei, with shared traditions, customs, and even language. For example, the Indian manner of greeting, ‘namaskar’ and ‘pranam,’ is the official way to greet the King of Brunei.
Trade and Diaspora
Dimri also emphasized the long-standing trade linkages between the two countries, dating back to ancient times. He noted that the Indian diaspora in Brunei is nearly 100 years old, beginning with the discovery of oil in the 1920s. Over time, this relationship has evolved, with more professionals like doctors, teachers, and engineers moving to Brunei.
Act East Policy
Dimri called the Act East Policy a signature initiative of PM Modi, aimed at strengthening ties between India and Southeast Asian nations. He stressed that the policy has been a driving force in enhancing India-ASEAN relations, which have been traditional and deep.
Strategic Importance
Dimri pointed out that Brunei and other Southeast Asian countries have been closer to India in terms of geo-economics and geopolitics, despite being geographically distant. He emphasized that PM Modi’s visit aims to consolidate existing bonds and explore new ways to strengthen the relationship further.
Defence Cooperation
Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted that defense is an important pillar of cooperation between India and Brunei. PM Modi’s visit to Brunei is at the invitation of Sultan of Brunei Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Following this, PM Modi will travel to Singapore on September 4-5 at the invitation of Singapore PM Lawrence Wong.
Doubts Revealed
PM Modi -: PM Modi is the Prime Minister of India. His full name is Narendra Modi.
Brunei -: Brunei is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is known for its wealth due to oil and gas reserves.
High Commissioner -: A High Commissioner is like an ambassador but usually between countries that are part of the Commonwealth, a group of countries that were once part of the British Empire.
Alok Amitabh Dimri -: Alok Amitabh Dimri is the person who represents India in Brunei. He is called the High Commissioner.
Bilateral ties -: Bilateral ties mean the relationship between two countries. In this case, it is the relationship between India and Brunei.
Indian community -: The Indian community refers to people from India who live in Brunei.
Act East Policy -: The Act East Policy is a plan by India to improve relations with countries in East and Southeast Asia, like Brunei.
Defense cooperation -: Defense cooperation means working together on military and security matters. It can include things like joint exercises and sharing technology.
