Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed optimism about strengthening India’s historic ties with Brunei and deepening its strategic partnership with Singapore as he commenced his visit to the two nations.
Highlighting that this marks the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei Darussalam, Modi stated in his departure address that he eagerly anticipates his meetings with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family to elevate the longstanding relationship to new levels.
PM Modi is scheduled to visit Singapore on Wednesday (September 4).
He expressed his eagerness to meet with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, as well as leaders from Singapore’s business community.
“I look forward to our discussions to further deepen our Strategic Partnership with Singapore, especially in emerging areas such as advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, and sustainable development,” PM Modi added.
He emphasised that both Brunei and Singapore are key partners in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.
Modi expressed confidence that his visits would further strengthen India’s partnerships with Brunei, Singapore, and the broader ASEAN region.
The article originally appeared on Financial Express.