Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-day official visit to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s diplomatic ties with the ASEAN region. This visit comes at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and Lawrence Wong, Prime Minister of Singapore. **First-Ever Bilateral Visit to Brunei by an Indian PM**Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brunei is historic, as it is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation. During his stay, PM Modi is expected to engage in discussions with Sultan Bolkiah and other key leaders, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, defense, and cultural exchange.“The visit to Brunei marks a new chapter in India-Brunei relations, reflecting our shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and partnership,” stated PM Modi before his departure. The discussions are anticipated to explore ways to expand trade, investment, and collaboration in areas such as education, health, and sustainable development.**Strengthening Ties with Singapore**Following his visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Singapore on September 4-5, where he will meet with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and other senior officials. The agenda for the Singapore leg of the trip includes discussions on enhancing economic cooperation, digital innovation, and security partnerships. Singapore, a major financial hub, plays a crucial role in India’s economic strategy in the region.In addition to bilateral meetings, PM Modi is expected to address the Indian community in Singapore, highlighting the strong cultural and economic ties between the two countries. India and Singapore share a strategic partnership that spans trade, investment, technology, and people-to-people links. **Focus on Strengthening ASEAN Relations**Prime Minister Modi’s visit underscores India’s commitment to deepening its ties with the broader ASEAN region. India’s “Act East” policy aims to enhance economic, strategic, and cultural ties with Southeast Asia, making the visit a significant move towards bolstering regional partnerships.Expressing optimism about the visit, PM Modi said, “I am confident that my visits to Brunei and Singapore will further strengthen our partnerships not only with these nations but also with the larger ASEAN region. These engagements will pave the way for closer cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including trade, innovation, and regional security.” **Enhancing Economic and Strategic Partnerships**India’s growing engagement with ASEAN is crucial for its strategic and economic interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The visit aims to boost trade and investment, promote people-to-people contacts, and foster collaboration in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and climate change.With a focus on building robust economic ties and enhancing regional security, PM Modi’s three-day visit to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore is expected to lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration and mutual growth in the coming years.