PM Modi embarks on 2-nation tour to Brunei, Singapore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-nation tour to Brunei and Singapore on Tuesday. This marks the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Brunei. "PM @narendramodi takes off for Bandar Seri Begawan, the first destination of his 2-Nation visit to Brunei and Singapore," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal announced on X.
PM Modi's agenda in Brunei
During his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will meet with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family. He expressed optimism about advancing India's historical relationship with Brunei to new heights through these meetings. The MEA statement said India and Brunei are working toward establishing a "joint working group in defense."
India, Brunei to enhance space cooperation
India is also interested in securing long-term and predictable arrangements for gas supplies from Brunei. The discussions in Brunei will primarily focus on enhancing cooperation in the field of space, a sector where Brunei holds a special position within New Delhi's space program. To date, both sides have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in this field.
PM Modi's Singapore visit
Following his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will travel to Singapore on Wednesday. He is scheduled to meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. "I look forward to my discussions to deepen our Strategic Partnership with Singapore," PM Modi said ahead of his visit.
India, Singapore to unveil multiple agreements
He added that India is eager to explore new areas of cooperation with Singapore, such as advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development. The PM said both countries are important partners in India's Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. During this visit, India and Singapore are expected to unveil about half a dozen agreements, including one on cooperating in creating a semiconductor ecosystem.
Singapore is India's largest trade partner within ASEAN
Notably, Singapore is currently India's largest trade partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the sixth largest trade partner worldwide. In 2023, Singapore was the largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. Its cumulative investments since 2000 are worth $160 billion. The Secretary (East) highlighted that India-Singapore ties have "evolved" into a "dynamic strategic partnership" encompassing various areas from shared history and people-to-people ties.
