Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: PM Modi Visits Brunei and Singapore

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a visit to Brunei and Singapore on Tuesday, aiming to enhance cooperation in key areas such as energy, technology, and trade. This visit marks the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei and underscores the importance of these nations in India's 'Act East' policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

Brunei Visit

Modi is making history as the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Brunei, a small country on the island of Borneo with a significant Indian community of around 14,000 people. India is looking to secure long-term gas supplies from Brunei, reflecting the importance of this partnership.

Before leaving New Delhi, Modi emphasized Brunei and Singapore as "important partners" and expressed his anticipation for strengthening ties with these countries and the broader ASEAN region. In Brunei, Modi was warmly welcomed by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah and is set to inaugurate the new Indian high commission building and visit the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, a notable landmark featuring Mughal architectural elements.

Meetings and Cooperation

On Wednesday, Modi will hold discussions with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, focusing on collaboration in space and energy. Brunei plays a key role in India’s space program, with both nations having signed three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and India establishing a tracking station there in 2000. These talks will aim to deepen cooperation in the space sector.

Singapore Visit

Following his time in Brunei, Modi will travel to Singapore on September 4. The visit will include the signing of approximately six agreements, notably in semiconductor development. This trip builds on a recent India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable that identified advanced manufacturing and connectivity as key areas for collaboration.

In Singapore, Modi plans to meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He will also engage with Singapore’s business leaders to discuss enhancing the Strategic Partnership, particularly in advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development.

Trade and Investment

Singapore is India’s largest trade partner within ASEAN and the sixth-largest globally. It was also the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India in 2023, with investments totaling $160 billion since 2000.

Change in Itinerary

Modi's visit to Singapore was originally planned after a trip to Thailand for a Bimstec summit. However, due to the postponement of the summit, Brunei was added to the itinerary, highlighting the dynamic nature of diplomatic engagements.

Also read:PM Modi Brunei Visit: PM two-day visit to Brunei, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah had invited him

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening India's relations with Brunei and Singapore, focusing on mutual interests and long-term collaboration.