Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant and historic visit to Brunei, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has officially visited the Southeast Asian nation.
Alok Amitabh Dimri, the Indian High Commissioner to Brunei, described the visit as a landmark moment in the bilateral relationship between the two countries, emphasizing the deep historical and cultural connections they share.
During the two-day visit, PM Modi is scheduled to engage in high-level meetings with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the Royal Family.
The Indian envoy highlighted the visit's importance, noting that it underscores the civilizational ties between India and Brunei. "India and Brunei have been civilizational neighbors, sharing deep historical roots with Southeast Asia. The cultural and linguistic influences from India are evident in Brunei's traditions and customs," Dimri stated.
Dimri also pointed out the influence of Indian culture in Brunei, citing examples like the use of Sanskrit-derived words and traditional Indian greetings such as "Namaskar" and "Pranam," which are part of Brunei's official protocols.
The visit is expected to result in a joint statement reflecting on the bilateral relations and identifying key areas of mutual interest.
Additionally, the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) is anticipated, further strengthening cooperation between the two nations. Dimri mentioned that India has a space station in Brunei that assists the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with critical launches.
Highlighting the warm and friendly ties between India and Brunei, the High Commissioner noted that the Indian diaspora in Brunei, though part of a small nation, has made significant contributions to the local economy and society. He emphasized that various Indian communities, including Tamilians, Malayalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, Marathas, and Gujaratis, are well-established in Brunei.
Dimri acknowledged Brunei's unique characteristics, such as its small population of 400,000 and limited geography, but stressed that these factors have not hindered the deep exchanges and strong relations between the two countries. He added that the Indian diaspora has become deeply rooted in Brunei, contributing to the nation's development and fostering closer ties with India.
During his visit, PM Modi will explore all aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation with Brunei, seeking to identify new areas of collaboration. Brunei is considered a crucial partner in India's 'Act East' policy and its broader vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
Following his visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Modi will continue his tour by traveling to Singapore for the second leg of his visit, scheduled from September 4-5.