Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei on Tuesday, marking the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to the Southeast Asian nation. This visit is part of his two-nation tour, with Singapore being the next stop.

Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a ceremonial welcome from Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

“PM Narendra Modi alights in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah. This visit is special as it is the first ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM and is taking place as the two countries are celebrating 40 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

In his departure statement, PM Modi said he was looking forward to meeting Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the Royal family, with the aim of elevating the historic relationship between India and Brunei to new heights.

Following his visit to Brunei, PM Modi will travel to Singapore on September 4.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister emphasized that his focus during the visit will be on strengthening bilateral ties. “Over the next two days, will be visiting Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. During the various engagements in these nations, the focus will be on further deepening India’s ties with them. India-Brunei Darussalam diplomatic ties complete 40 glorious years. I look forward to meeting His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. In Singapore, I will hold talks with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. We are eager to further cement ties in key sectors,” he said.

(With ANI input)