PM Modi Embarks on Two-Day Diplomatic Visit to Brunei and Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a very significant two-day visit to both Brunei and Singapore to undertake a series of diplomatic tours to these two Southeast Asian nations in order to give a fillip to India’s ties with the region. Brunei received him on a historic tour starting on 3rd August 2024. This visit aims to deepen the historical linkages between the two nations, with his trip to Singapore further consolidating the strategic partnership.

More than that, the visit to Brunei turns out to be truly historic because it would be the first ever bilateral visit undertaken by an Indian Prime Minister. Brunei and India enjoy 40 years of diplomatic relations, and the visit is expected to be a milestone in advancing their ties. PM Modi, during his tenure in Brunei, will meet Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family.

PM Modi took to X to exude excitement for the visit, underlining that he was looking forward to strengthening the perennially thriving friendship between India and Brunei.

PM Modi will be visiting Singapore on September 4 to meet with key leadership, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. The visit comes after a recent high-level roundtable between the ministers of both countries, reflecting in the process the priority attached to moving forward bilateral relations.

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It is also a key partner for India because it is the largest trading partner in ASEAN and the sixth largest globally. The visit has come at an opportune moment when Singapore’s new Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has just assumed office. This also befits the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore, and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership.

Focus Areas and Expected Outcome

During the visit, PM Modi will also push for cooperation in semiconductors, digitization, skill development, sustainability, health, advanced manufacturing, and connectivity. The signing of several MoUs in these sectors is expected during the visit.

The economic relationship with Singapore is very close, especially as in the last financial year, investment in India by Singapore alone reached $11.77 billion. In fact, since 2000, the FDI of Singapore into India has reached $160 billion. He is also scheduled to address business leaders in Singapore during which time he can underline India’s growth story and its potential as a global economic powerhouse.

A visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brunei and Singapore will mark a very important constituent in the strengthening not only of ties between India and these countries but also its general relationships with the ASEAN region. The results of this visit are likely to lead to deeper cooperation in a variety of fields and solidify India’s position in the region.