Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Brunei visit has ended. He left for Singapore directly from Brunei on Wednesday afternoon. PM Modi’s Brunei visit has been special in many ways. This was the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei. This visit was made at a time when 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries are also being completed.
During this visit, PM Modi stressed on increasing trade relations as well as cooperation in the space and defense sectors. India has already signed several important agreements with Brunei in the space sector. Along with this, through this visit, the two countries also expressed their commitment to strengthen relations in the field of crude oil and hydrocarbons.
What was discussed between PM Modi and Brunei Sultan?
PM Modi informed through a social media post that he met Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei. Our bilateral talks to strengthen the relations between the two countries were successful. We discussed further strengthening trade relations, strengthening defense relations and further increasing the connectivity between the relations between the two countries.
After this meeting, PM Modi said that I express my heartfelt gratitude to you and the entire royal family for the warm welcome and hospitality of the Sultan of Brunei. First of all, I heartily congratulate you and the people of Brunei on the 40th anniversary of independence on behalf of 140 crore Indians. We have centuries-old cultural relations. The relations between the two countries are becoming stronger day by day. Even today, the people of India remember with great pride the memories of your visit to India as the chief guest on our Republic Day in 2018.
He said that I am happy that I got the opportunity to visit Brunei in my third term. It is a happy coincidence that at this time both the countries are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their bilateral partnership. Relations between India and Brunei are getting stronger. Brunei being an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo Pacific Region is a guarantee of a bright future for us.
Let us tell you that Brunei is considered a very important country in terms of India’s Act East Policy and the vision of Indo Pacific. Brunei is an important partner country from a strategic point of view. The northern border of this country touches the South China Sea.
Agenda of PM Modi’s visit to Singapore
PM Modi has left for Singapore directly from Brunei. He is reaching Singapore after six years. His visit is taking place at a time when the government has changed in Singapore and Lawrence Wong has taken over as the Prime Minister. PM Modi’s visit to Singapore is important for India’s Act East Policy.
Singapore is India’s biggest trade partner among ASEAN countries. During this time, PM Modi will meet business leaders and CEOs of many big companies. During this time, regional issues like South China Sea and Myanmar can be discussed.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Singapore is important in terms of trade and investment. Singapore is India’s largest trading partner among ASEAN countries. Singapore is India’s sixth largest trading partner in the world. Singapore is a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) coming to India. Singapore has an important role in the global semiconductor ecosystem. Singapore has more than 20 years of experience in this field.
Why is Singapore important for India?
At present, India’s entire focus is on the Act East Policy. India launched this policy during the 12th ASEAN-India Summit in November 2014. The aim of this policy is to counter the growing maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean and to build strategic partnerships in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean.
China is constantly trying to establish its dominance in the South China Sea. Due to this, there is a constant dispute between China and many countries. China claims some parts of the South China Sea, due to which peace has been affected at the regional level. In such a situation, PM Modi’s visit to Brunei and Singapore is being considered very important under India’s Act East Policy.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)