The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, Sept 3 2024 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday commenced a significant two-nation tour aimed at reinforcing India’s strategic partnerships with Brunei and Singapore. This visit marks the first–ever bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, underscoring the importance of deepening India’s ties with the Southeast Asian region. The Prime Minister began his journey by heading to Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the historic nature of the visit, stating, “PM @narendramodi takes off for Bandar Seri Begawan, the first destination of his 2-Nation visit to Brunei and Singapore.”
Before his departure, Prime Minister Modi expressed his eagerness to engage with Brunei’s leadership, including Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and members of the royal family. He emphasized the potential to elevate the historical ties between India and Brunei to unprecedented levels. During a media briefing on Monday, Jaideep Mazumdar, MEA’s Secretary (East), revealed that both nations are actively working towards establishing a joint working group in defense, signaling a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. Following his visit to Brunei, PM Modi is set to travel to Singapore on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. In Singapore, the Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with prominent leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. These discussions are expected to focus on expanding the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership, particularly in cutting-edge sectors such as advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister underscored the strategic importance of Singapore in India’s Act East Policy and the broader Indo-Pacific Vision. “Both countries are crucial partners in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision,” PM Modi stated. He expressed confidence that the visit would further enhance India’s engagement with Singapore, Brunei, and the larger ASEAN region. During a press conference on Monday, Secretary Jaideep Mazumdar emphasized the evolution of India-Singapore relations, noting the dynamic strategic partnership that now spans multiple sectors, including robust trade, defense cooperation, and growing cultural and educational exchanges. The India-Singapore ministerial roundtable framework has identified new avenues to strengthen this relationship further.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brunei and Singapore is poised to deepen India’s historical ties with these nations, fostering stronger strategic, economic, and cultural partnerships in the process.
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