Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed confidence in advancing historical ties with Brunei and deepening India's strategic partnership with Singapore as he embarked on a visit to the two South East Asian countries.
In his departure statement issued on Tuesday morning, Modi noted that this will be the first ever bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Brunei Darussalam. He said he looked forward to his meetings with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other members of the royal family to advance the historical relationship to new heights.
On Wednesday, Modi will travel to Singapore.
He said he looked forward to the opportunity to meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. During the visit, Modi will also meet with the leaders of Singapore's business community.
"I look forward to my discussions to deepen our Strategic Partnership with Singapore, particularly in new and emerging areas of advanced manufacturing, digitalisation, and sustainable development," he said in the departure statement.
Modi highlighted that both the countries are important in India's 'Act East' Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. "I am confident that my visits would further strengthen our partnership with Brunei, Singapore and the larger ASEAN region," he said.