Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who became the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Brunei on a bilateral visit, visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque built by the father of the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and also inaugurated the new chancery premises of the High Commission of India on Tuesday.
Upon arrival, Modi said he was looking forward to strong ties with Brunei and will hold bilateral talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday.
PM Modi also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora at both places.
Currently, approximately 14,000 Indians are residing in Brunei.
While inaugurating the new chancery premises, the prime minister termed it as indicative of stronger ties between the two countries.
“Delighted to inaugurate the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, indicative of our stronger ties with Brunei Darussalam. This will also be serving our diaspora,” he said in another post on X.
The prime minister was accorded a ceremonial welcome by the Bruneian government and was received by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport.
He was received by Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Dato Ustaz Awang Badaruddin and Minister of Health Mohammad Isham at the mosque. The mosque is named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei (father of the current Sultan, who also initiated its construction), and was completed in 1958.
Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. India and Brunei enjoy a friendly relationship, which is marked by mutual respect and understanding on bilateral and multilateral issues. The two countries are linked by history, culture and tradition spanning a millennium, the MEA said.
The prime minister lit a lamp and unveiled a plaque, inaugurating the chancery premises, which embodies a “profound sense of Indianness, masterfully integrating traditional motifs and lush tree plantations”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release.
The use of elegant claddings and durable Kota stones further enhances its aesthetic appeal, harmoniously blending classic and contemporary elements, it said.
Modi also interacted with the members of the vibrant Indian diaspora who were part of the inauguration event, appreciating their contribution as a “living bridge” between the two countries and strengthening bilateral ties.
The contribution of Indian doctors and teachers to the growth and development of Brunei’s healthcare and education sectors has been well acknowledged, the release said.
The first phase of Indians arriving in Brunei started with the discovery of oil in the 1920s.
From Brunei, Modi will travel to Singapore, where he will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He would also meet with leaders of Singapore’s vibrant business community.
“Both countries are important partners in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. I am confident that my visits would further strengthen our partnership with Brunei, Singapore and the larger ASEAN region,” Modi said.
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