Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Singapore on Wednesday for a two-day visit after concluding his tour of Brunei. He was warmly welcomed by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who will also host a dinner in his honor later. Upon his arrival in Singapore, members of the Indian community greeted PM Modi enthusiastically.
During the welcome, PM Modi played a traditional drum, adding to the festive atmosphere. Artists danced to the drum beats as part of the celebration. Members of the Indian community presented PM Modi with a saffron-colored stole, and many gathered outside the hotel where he is staying to welcome him. Several people also took selfies with the Prime Minister, chanting “Ramchandra ki Jai” and “Ganpati Bappa Morya.” A woman from the community tied a Rakhi on PM Modi’s wrist. During his visit to Singapore, Modi will meet with senior leaders, including President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, and engage with the local business community.
Warm Welcome in Brunei’s Largest Palace ‘Istana Nurul Iman’
Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei. The leaders discussed critical issues such as defense, trade, education, technology, and health. Following the delegation-level talks, India and Brunei signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). They also agreed to establish a direct flight route between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai.
The discussions covered regional and global issues, with both leaders emphasizing cooperation for the development of ASEAN countries. Sultan Bolkiah hosted a lunch for PM Modi in the world’s largest palace, ‘Istana Nurul Iman,’ in his honor.
PM Modi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, stating, “I was warmly welcomed in Brunei, and I thank the royal family for their hospitality. This is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei. The warmth I received here made me realize the deep-rooted ties between our two nations.”
PM Modi’s Stand Against Expansionism Without Naming China
During the discussions, PM Modi highlighted India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Indo-Pacific Vision,’ emphasizing Brunei’s key role as a partner. He reiterated India’s commitment to peace in ASEAN countries and the importance of freedom of navigation and overflight under international law. PM Modi stressed that India supports development over expansionism.
Upgrading India-Brunei Relations to ‘Enhanced Partnership’
PM Modi announced that India and Brunei are marking 40 years of diplomatic relations this year. He stated that both countries have decided to elevate their relationship to an ‘Enhanced Partnership.’ He also expressed his happiness at the contribution of the Indian community to Brunei’s development.
PM Modi arrived in Brunei on Tuesday as the first stop of his two-nation tour. He received a grand welcome and met Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and his family members in the world’s largest palace, ‘Istana Nurul Iman.’ Upon his arrival in Brunei, PM Modi was greeted by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah with a guard of honor.
PM Modi also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, where the Indian community gave him a warm reception at his hotel.
Sultan of Brunei’s Lavish Lifestyle
Sultan Bolkiah is Brunei’s 29th ruler and has been the Prime Minister since 1984 after the departure of the British. He is the second longest-reigning monarch after Queen Elizabeth II. In 2017, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years of rule.
Despite Brunei’s small size, Sultan Bolkiah is one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world. In the 1980s, he was the richest person globally. According to Forbes, his net worth was ₹1.4 lakh crore in 2008.
The Sultan’s opulence is evident in his ₹50 billion palace, known as “Istana Nurul Iman,” and his collection of 7,000 cars.
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