PM Modi embarks on two-day visit to Brunei, Singapore: Know his key agenda

PM Modi expressed confidence that his visits to Brunei and Singapore will strengthen India's ties with both nations and enhance its broader relationships within the ASEAN region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on August 3, embarked on a diplomatic visit to Brunei and Singapore, aiming to bolster India's historical ties with Brunei and deepen the Strategic Partnership with Singapore.

Taking to microblogging site X, early in the day, the Prime Minister made the announcement, "Over the next two days, will be visiting Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. During the various engagements in these nations, the focus will be on further deepening India’s ties with them".

PM Modi's visit to Brunei is historic, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to the Southeast Asian nation. In his post on X, the PM also expressed eagerness to meet with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family to elevate the long-standing relationship between the two countries.

"India-Brunei Darussalam diplomatic ties complete 40 glorious years. I look forward to meeting His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah," he wrote on X.

Over the next two days, will be visiting Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. During the various engagements in these nations, the focus will be on further deepening Indias ties with them.India-Brunei Darussalam diplomatic ties complete 40 glorious years. I look forward to
Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2024

Secretary East in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Jaideep Mazumdar, on September 2, highlighted the importance of PM Modi's visit for enhancing cooperation in various sectors, particularly semiconductors, during a press briefing on the PM's visit to Singapore.

"Ties between India and Singapore are poised to take-off to an entirely new level of cooperation," noted the MEA during the press meet.

Singapore, as India's largest trade partner in ASEAN and the sixth largest trade partner globally, is a key focus of the visit. In the last financial year alone, Singapore invested $11.77 billion in India.

PM Modi's visit also includes addressing business leaders in Singapore, where he will highlight India’s growth story. Since 2000, Singapore's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India has totaled $160 billion. The visit comes at a time of significant transition, with new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong recently taking office.

Furthermore, the visit is set against the backdrop of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore, and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership. During the visit, both countries are expected to exchange several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in areas such as digitization, skill development, sustainability, health, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity.

PM Modi expressed confidence that his visits to Brunei and Singapore will strengthen India's ties with both nations and enhance its broader relationships within the ASEAN region.