PM Narendra Modi Strengthens Ties with Brunei and Heads to Singapore
Bandar Seri Begawan [Brunei], September 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his ‘productive visit’ to Brunei and departed for Singapore on Wednesday.
PM Modi expressed gratitude to the people and government of Brunei for their hospitality. He stated, ‘My visit to Brunei Darussalam was productive. It ushers in a new era of even stronger India-Brunei ties. Our friendship will contribute to a better planet.’
Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that PM Modi is now traveling to Singapore after his visit to Brunei. Jaiswal stated, ‘PM @narendramodi concludes a productive visit to Brunei, strengthening bonds with a valued partner. Next stop Singapore.’
Earlier, PM Modi arrived at the Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan, where he was warmly greeted by Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The two leaders discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties, including expanding trade, commercial linkages, and people-to-people exchanges.
On Tuesday, PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India in Bandar Seri Begawan. The complex integrates traditional motifs and lush tree plantations. He also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, where he was received by Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin and Minister of Health Dato Haji Mohammad Isham.
Secretary East, Ministry of External Affairs, Jaideep Mazumdar, highlighted the importance of PM Modi’s visit to Singapore for trade and investment. He noted that Singapore is India’s largest trade partner in ASEAN and a leading source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). PM Modi will interact with business leaders and address CEOs during his visit.
Mazumdar recalled PM Modi’s first visit to Singapore during his first term as Prime Minister and emphasized the significance of this visit, especially with the new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently taking office. He stated, ‘This is an opportune time to set the stage for India-Singapore’s vibrant bilateral relations for the next stage.’
Doubts Revealed
PM Narendra Modi -: PM Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, which means he is the leader of the Indian government.
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.
Chancery -: A Chancery is the office or building where a diplomatic mission, like an embassy or high commission, operates.
High Commission of India -: The High Commission of India is like an embassy but is specifically for countries that are part of the Commonwealth, a group of countries that were once part of the British Empire.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque -: The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a famous and beautiful mosque in Brunei, known for its stunning architecture and gold dome.
Singapore -: Singapore is a small but very developed country in Southeast Asia, known for its strong economy and modern cityscape.
Trade and investment -: Trade and investment refer to the buying and selling of goods and services between countries and putting money into businesses to help them grow.
CEOs -: CEOs are Chief Executive Officers, the highest-ranking people in a company who make important decisions.
Bilateral relations -: Bilateral relations are the connections and interactions between two countries, like India and Singapore, to work together on various issues.
Lawrence Wong -: Lawrence Wong is the new Prime Minister of Singapore, which means he is the leader of the Singaporean government.