Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a landmark state visit to Brunei, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has made an official bilateral trip to the Southeast Asian nation. Following his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will continue his two-nation tour with a visit to Singapore.
On the second day of his tour, PM Modi will meet the Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, at his official residence, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, which is recognized as the world's largest palace. The palace is famous for its 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and 44 staircases, all made from 38 different types of marble.
Top Highlights from PM Modi's State Visit:
- Meeting at the Palace: On Day 2, PM Modi is scheduled to meet Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the Istana Nurul Iman Palace. This palace holds the Guinness World Record as the largest palace in the world, featuring 1,788 rooms, 257 bathrooms, and 44 staircases crafted from 38 varieties of marble.
- Sultan Bolkiah's Legacy: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s second-longest reigning monarch, has an estimated net worth of $30 billion and was once recognized as the richest person globally.
- Previous Meetings: PM Modi and Sultan Bolkiah have previously met at the 25th ASEAN Summit in 2014 and the 2017 East Asia Summit.
- Strengthening Ties: PM Modi expressed enthusiasm about the visit, stating that he looks forward to discussions with Sultan Bolkiah and other members of the Royal family to strengthen the long-standing relationship between India and Brunei.
- Diplomatic Milestone: This visit comes as India and Brunei celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations.
- Bilateral Discussions: At 8:50 am (IST), PM Modi will engage in bilateral talks covering key areas such as defense, trade, investment, energy, space technology, and health. Several agreements are expected to be signed.
- Royal Banquet: Sultan Bolkiah will host a banquet lunch for PM Modi at the Istana Nurul Iman Palace before the Prime Minister departs for Singapore at 11:20 am.
- Singapore Visit: Upon arriving in Singapore, PM Modi will interact with the Indian community before attending a dinner hosted by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.
- Cultural Visit: On the previous day, PM Modi visited the famous Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei, one of the region's most iconic structures. He also inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei.
- Community Engagement: PM Modi also met with local officials, scholars, and members of the Indian community, who warmly welcomed him during his visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Brunei on Day 2 underscored the deepening ties between India and the Southeast Asian nation. The meeting with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the iconic Istana Nurul Iman Palace highlighted the commitment of both nations to advancing their bilateral relationship, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as defense, trade, and technology. As PM Modi continues his two-nation tour with the next stop in Singapore, the discussions and agreements made in Brunei are expected to pave the way for stronger cooperation and a more robust partnership in the future.
