India and Brunei on Wednesday upgraded their bilateral relations to “enhanced partnership” as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah to discuss defence, trade and energy among other issues, and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to visit Brunei on a bilateral visit, was welcomed by Sultan Bolkiah and his close family members at the Istana Nurul Iman, which is the official residence of the Sultan and the seat of the Brunei government, for the bilateral talks.

“Giving new impetus to India-Brunei relations and the ‘Act East’ policy. Prime Minister @narendramodi and HM Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei held productive discussions today in Bandar Seri Begawan. They welcomed the elevation of bilateral relations to the level of enhanced partnership,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X along with the photos.

“The two leaders took stock of bilateral relations, including in the areas of defense, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health and pharmaceuticals, capacity building, culture and people-to-people relations. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest,” he added.

In his speech, Modi said, “Brunei is an important partner in India’s Action East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. We respect each other’s sentiments and I am confident that my visit to Brunei and our discussions will provide strategic direction to our bilateral relations.” Modi began his speech by describing how India and Brunei share “cultural ties for centuries” and that deep cultural traditions are the basis of bilateral friendship.

“I am sure that our relations will improve day by day under your leadership,” he added.

At the start of the ceremony, he greeted the Sultan and the citizens of Brunei on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of independence, on behalf of 140 million Indians. He also drew attention to the “happy coincidence” that India and Brunei are celebrating 40 years of bilateral relations.

Shortly after the meeting, Modi said in a message on X: “I am delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our discussions covered many issues including ways to further strengthen bilateral ties between our nations. We will further expand trade ties, commercial ties and people-to-people exchanges.”

Modi’s historic visit is a milestone in the 40-year-old diplomatic ties between the two countries which enjoy a friendly relationship marked by mutual respect and understanding on bilateral and multilateral issues, officials said.

“Building stronger India-Brunei relations. Prime Minister @narendramodi was warmly welcomed at Istana Nurul Iman by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his immediate family members.

“Brunei is an important partner in India’s Act East policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific,” the MEA said in a message on X accompanied by the photos.

The two countries are linked by history, culture and tradition spanning a millennium, the MEA had said ahead of Modi’s visit to the Southeast Asian nation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Modi had said he was looking forward to his meetings with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family “to take the historic relationship to new heights”.

The Prime Minister said he looked forward to building strong ties with Brunei as he arrived here on the first leg of his trip to the two countries aimed at strengthening cooperation in sectors such as defence, trade and investment, energy as well as people-to-people exchanges.

As a special gesture, Modi was received by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport. He visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and also inaugurated the new premises of the Chancery of the High Commission of India. At both places, he interacted with the Indian diaspora.

From Brunei, Modi will travel to Singapore later on Wednesday.

(Except for the headline, this story is from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by Odishatv.in staff)

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