PM Modi: First Indian Prime Minister to Visit Brunei

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, on 3 September 2024. Prime Minister Modi is on a two-nation tour of Brunei and Singapore from 3 -5 September 2024. This is the first visit of any Indian Prime Minister to Brunei after establishing diplomatic ties on 10 May 1984.

India and Brunei are celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relationship in 2024.

Brunei and Singapore are members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN) and important partners in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy.

Highlights of PM Modi’s Visit to Brunei

• The Prime Minister was personally received by the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, at the Bandar Seri Begawan airport.
• Sultan Bolkiah.is currently the longest-serving monarch in the world after assuming the throne in 1967.
• The Sultan of Brunei hosted lunch in honour of PM Modi in his residence, Istana Nurul Iman Palace.
• The Istana Nurul Iman Palace is the world's largest palace, with 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms and 44 staircases.
• He also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei.

India Brunei relationship 

India has a good relationship with Brunei and established its High Commission in Brunei in 1992.

Brunei has played a key role in bringing India and ASEAN closer. From July 2012 to June 2015, it was the country coordinator for India in ASEAN.

India and Brunei have signed three MoUs in Space. In 2000, India set up a Telemetry, Tracking, and Command station in Brunei to track and monitor all eastward launches of Indian satellites and satellite launch vehicles. 

India and Brunei signed an MoU on defence in 2016, which was renewed in 2021. It provides a framework for regular exchanges at high levels, Naval and Coast Guard ship exchange visits, training and joint exercises, and participation in each other's exhibitions. 

Around 14,000 Indians, mainly doctors and teachers, live in Brunei.

About Brunei 

Brunei is an Islamic Sultanate situated on Borneo island in Southeast Asia.

It gained independence from Great Britain in 1984.

Brunei has a vast reserve of crude petroleum oil and natural gas, and its economy depends on exporting these resources.

Brunei is one of the richest countries in Asia and is a member of the OPEC+ group.

Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan

Currency: Bruneian dollar

King: Haji Hassanal Bolkiah