PM Modi visits Brunei’s “Istana Nurul Iman”, highlights friendship and cooperation
Brunei and India : A significant turning point in the 40-year diplomatic relationship between Brunei and India was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to the country. The strengthening friendship and collaboration between Brunei and India is highlighted by this visit.
On a bilateral visit, Prime Minister Modi touched down in Brunei on Tuesday. He expressed excitement for solid bilateral relations, particularly in terms of fostering business and cultural exchanges.
PM Modi was greeted ceremoniously when he arrived. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah’s official house, Istana Nurul Iman Palace, is where he is expected to meet him.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ordered the construction of Istana Nurul Iman, often known as the “Palace of the Light of Faith,” in 1981. In addition to being a representation of Brunei’s magnificence, this exquisite castle is the biggest residential palace in the world according to Guinness World Records.
The 28th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which took place electronically from this gorgeous location, was one of the major events that the palace has hosted.
Impressively, the Istana Nurul Iman Palace is 200,000 square meters in size. With 1,788 rooms and 257 bathrooms, the castle offers plenty of space and seclusion. The palace’s lavish architecture is accentuated by its 44 stairs, which are made of 38 distinct kinds of marble. In addition, there are five opulent swimming pools for leisure and a 1,500-seat mosque, highlighting the palace’s dual roles as a political and religious hub.
The palace’s architecture combines Malay customs with Islamic culture from Brunei. Golden domes, one central dome set with 22-carat gold, accentuate its beautiful white surface. Marble and gold accents adorn the inside, which was created by Khuan Chew, the same architect who worked on the Burj Al Arab in Dubai.
According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, Brunei is an important ally of India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and ‘Act East’ Policy. It was said that, with millennium-old historical, cultural, and traditional links, India and Brunei have a cordial relationship marked by respect and understanding for one another on both bilateral and international matters.
The 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Brunei and India is being commemorated by this visit, which is the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to that nation.
While in Brunei, PM Modi will have in-depth conversations with the leadership on a range of bilateral issues and look into potential new areas of cooperation.
After this visit, on September 4-5, PM Modi will embark on the second half of his two-nation trip and go to Singapore, where he will meet with his counterpart, Lawrence Wong, from Singapore.
Meetings with former prime ministers Lee Hsien Loong and Goh Chok Tong as well as President Tharman Shanmugaratnam will also take place during the trip.
Modi is visiting Singapore for the sixth time, and it is his first visit since 2018. Modi will interact with members of the semiconductor sector and take part in a business roundtable with local officials when he is there. The national security advisor and foreign minister of India will go with him.
