look news india
Narendra Modi Brunei: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei on Tuesday in the first leg of his two-nation visit, where he was given a grand welcome. However, during this time PM Modi's schedule was very busy and he was busy in everything from the inauguration of the Indian High Commission to the visit to the famous mosque.
Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold talks with the country's top leadership on Wednesday. The first Indian Prime Minister to visit Brunei on a bilateral visit, Modi said he is looking forward to his meetings with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family to take the historic relationship to new heights.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, “I landed in Brunei Darussalam. I look forward to fostering stronger ties between our countries, particularly trade and cultural ties. I thank the Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah for welcoming me at the airport.”
In a special accord with India, Prime Minister Modi was warmly welcomed by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport. Modi was given a warm welcome at the airport and a guard of honour was given.
“PM Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Extended a warm welcome by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. The visit is special as it is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei and comes at a time when both countries are celebrating 40 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new Chancery Complex of the Indian High Commission in Brunei and called it a sign of the strong ties between the two countries. In a post on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said, “Happy to inaugurate the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission, which is a sign of our strong ties with Brunei Darussalam. It will also benefit our overseas community.”
“Strengthening India-Brunei ties, PM @narendramodi unveiled a commemorative plaque at the inauguration of the Chancery Building of the Indian High Commission in Bandar Seri Begawan,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on Twitter.
In a press release, the Ministry of External Affairs said that Prime Minister Modi lit the lamp and unveiled the plaque, inaugurating the new Chancery Complex, which reflects the deep spirit of Indianness, skillfully integrating traditional motifs and lush plantings. The design pays tribute to India's rich cultural heritage and at the same time creates a serene and charming ambiance, the statement said.
Prime Minister Modi then interacted with the Indian diaspora in Brunei who attended the event and appreciated their contribution in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries, becoming a “living bridge” between the two countries. The contribution of Indian doctors and teachers in the development of Brunei's healthcare and education sectors is well recognised, the press release said.
Let us tell you that the arrival of Indians in Brunei started with the discovery of oil in the 1920s. Currently about 14,000 Indians live in Brunei. On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Modi visited Brunei's iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, which was built by the father of the current Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Modi said in a post on Twitter, “Visited Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei.
The Prime Minister was welcomed by Religious Affairs Minister Pehin Dato Ustaz Awang Badruddin at the mosque, where he also watched a video depicting its history. Health Minister Mohammad Isham was also present during this time. The mosque is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddeen III (father of the current Sultan, who also built it) and was completed in 1958. Members of the Indian community were also present to welcome the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Modi will leave for Singapore today at the invitation of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after completing his Brunei visit. The Indian Foreign Ministry said, “The leaders of the two countries will review the progress of the India-Singapore strategic partnership and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”
During his visit, the Prime Minister will meet Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and hold talks with the Singapore leadership. He will also meet Singapore business leaders. The Ministry of External Affairs said these visits will further strengthen India's cooperation with Brunei and Singapore in bilateral, regional and multilateral frameworks. Jaiswal also spoke about the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable to be held first in 2022 and then in 2024 during the briefing, in which four Indian ministers will participate.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and Singapore have deep-rooted ties and efforts to strengthen the relationship have become “deeper and stronger” after the roundtable and the prime minister's visit.