PM Narendra Modi Visits Singapore and Brunei to Strengthen Ties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Singapore on Wednesday for a two-day visit. He was invited by Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Upon his arrival at Changai airport from Brunei, he was welcomed by Indian High Commissioner to Singapore Shilpak Ambule and Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, among other officials.
During his visit, PM Modi and Lawrence Wong will review the progress of the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest. PM Modi will also meet Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and interact with Singaporean leadership and business leaders.
Before arriving in Singapore, PM Modi was on an official visit to Brunei. He held extensive talks with Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan. They discussed ways to strengthen 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, Brunei’s capital. The chancery complex integrates traditional Indian 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, stated that PM Modi’s visit to Brunei was historic, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Brunei and coinciding with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. They discussed various areas of cooperation, including defense, trade, investment, space, energy, health, culture, and people-to-people relations. Brunei plans to start direct flights to India later this year, and both sides signed an MoU to enhance space cooperation.
Doubts Revealed
PM Narendra Modi -: PM Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India, which means he is the head of the government and makes important decisions for the country.
Singapore -: Singapore is a small but very developed country in Southeast Asia. It is known for its cleanliness, modern buildings, and as a global financial hub.
Brunei -: Brunei is a small, wealthy country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich oil and gas resources.
Strategic Partnership -: A Strategic Partnership is a close relationship between two countries where they work together on important issues like trade, security, and technology.
Lawrence Wong -: Lawrence Wong is the Prime Minister of Singapore, which means he is the head of the government in Singapore.
Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah -: Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah is the ruler of Brunei. A Sultan is a king or ruler in some Muslim countries.
Chancery -: A Chancery is the office or building where a country’s diplomatic mission, like an embassy or high commission, is located.
High Commission of India -: The High Commission of India is like an embassy but in Commonwealth countries. It represents India and helps Indian citizens in that country.
Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque -: The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is a famous and beautiful mosque in Brunei. It is an important place for Muslims to pray and gather.
