On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, as part of his tour of Southeast Asia. The mosque, named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei, Omar Ali Saifuddien III, was completed in 1958 and remains a significant symbol of Brunei’s Islamic heritage.
Warm Reception in Brunei
Prime Minister Modi was warmly received by Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin, and the Minister of Health, Dato Dr. Haji Mohammad Isham. Members of the Indian community in Brunei were also present to greet the Prime Minister.
Inauguration of the Indian High Commission
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the new building for the Indian high commission in Brunei. He marked the occasion by lighting a lamp and unveiling a plaque. The chancery complex, designed with traditional Indian motifs and lush plantations, embodies a blend of classic and contemporary architectural elements, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage.
During the event, Modi interacted with members of the Indian community, appreciating their role as a “living bridge” between India and Brunei. He highlighted their contributions, particularly in healthcare and education, sectors where Indian professionals have made a significant impact in Brunei.
Strengthening India-Brunei Relations
The visit underscores the growing ties between India and Brunei. Prime Minister Modi is the first Indian premier to make a bilateral visit to Brunei. He is expected to hold talks with Brunei’s Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah, focusing on cooperation in space and energy sectors. Brunei holds a special place in India’s space program, with a telemetry tracking and command station established in the country in 2000 to monitor satellite launches.
Act East Policy and Regional Partnerships
In a statement before his departure from New Delhi, PM Modi described Brunei and Singapore as key partners in India’s ‘Act East’ policy. The visits aim to strengthen India’s partnerships with these nations and the broader ASEAN region, emphasizing the importance of long-term cooperation in areas like energy security and space exploration.
