Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, on Tuesday. This visit marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, being the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the nation. The trip signifies the growing importance of the relationship between India and Brunei, particularly in the areas of trade and technology.
During his stay, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to meet with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, who has led Brunei since 1967. Discussions are expected to center around strengthening existing partnerships and exploring new avenues for collaboration.
One key highlight of the visit is the anticipated signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on space cooperation between the two nations. This builds upon a previous agreement signed in 2018 regarding satellite tracking, demonstrating the expanding scope of their collaboration in the space sector.
The visit also coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei, further emphasizing the significance of this occasion. As Prime Minister Modi stated before his departure, “Today, I am embarking on a first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. As we celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to elevate our historic relationship to new heights.”
Beyond the diplomatic engagements, Brunei itself offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique culture and rich history. The country stands out with several distinctive features:
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Absolute Monarchy:
Brunei is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies globally. The Sultan holds supreme executive authority, wielding power since 1967.*
Oil Wealth:
The country’s economy relies heavily on oil and natural gas production, significantly contributing to its GDP. This has positioned Brunei as one of the wealthiest nations in terms of GDP per capita.*
Malay Islamic Monarchy:
Brunei’s official ideology centers around the concept of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay Islamic Monarchy), emphasizing the importance of Malay culture, Islamic religion, and the monarchical system in governing the nation.*
Sharia Law Implementation:
In 2014, Brunei became the first East Asian country to fully implement Sharia law as part of its penal code. This includes severe punishments such as stoning for adultery and amputation for theft.*
World’s Oldest Reigning Dynasty:
The current Sultanate of Brunei boasts one of the world’s oldest reigning dynasties, with a history spanning over 600 years.*
No Income Tax:
Brunei citizens enjoy a high standard of living, benefiting from the absence of personal income tax, thanks to government revenue generated from oil and gas exports.*
Temburong Bridge:
The Temburong Bridge, inaugurated in 2020, stands as Southeast Asia’s longest oversea bridge, connecting the Brunei-Muara and Temburong districts, which are separated by Malaysian territory.*
Biodiversity:
Brunei boasts a rich biodiversity, with over 70 per cent of its land covered by tropical rainforest. The Ulu Temburong National Park offers a well-preserved glimpse into the pristine environment of Borneo.*
Malay Language and Culture:
Malay is the official language, and the country maintains a strong cultural identity, deeply rooted in traditional Malay customs, dress, and social practices.*
