Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited the South Asian country Brunei. This visit is at a time when both India and Brunei are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Brunei is a place where the influence of Indian origin remains intact. Most of the Indians here have made their mark in the medical, education and energy sectors. According to the official website of the Indian High Commission, 14,500 Indians work here. Among these numbers, the highest number of Indians occupy the posts of teachers and doctors.
Brunei Kedarussalam has the highest number of Indian expatriates. Indians living here is not a new thing, Indians have been migrating here since the 1930s. By living here, Indians have given Brunei a new success and have contributed in different sectors. Brunei has also been appreciating their contribution and there have been many occasions when the government has honored them.
The Sultan of Brunei is among the richest people in the world
Prime Minister Narendra Modi After the visit of PM Modi, Indian people have tried to know the most about Brunei. Discussion of Brunei becomes special because here a royal family rules, whose Sultan is talked about among the rich kings of the world. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has assets worth billions. According to media reports, every corner of his palace has things made of gold. He has even got his private jet plated with gold. Not only this, gold work has been done on cars and other things as well.
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Where are Indians spreading their charm in Brunei?
According to the report of the High Commission of India, Indian professionals from education, medical, engineering, construction, trade, retail sector have made their name. About 50 percent of Indians here are working in oil, gas, construction and retail sectors. Mohinder Singh was the first Indian to be awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman in Brunei. He was given this award in 2010. Later he became a citizen of Brunei. The prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award is given for providing countless employment opportunities to Indian citizens in Brunei Darussalam.
Indian Union in Brunei
There are also five major Indian associations in Brunei Darussalam. These include Bandar Seri Begawan Indian Association (BSBIA), Indian Association Belait (IAB), Malayali Association (MA), Telugu Association (TA) and Sikh Association. Apart from this, Indian Chamber of Commerce and Brunei-India Friendship Association (BIFA) are also registered organizations. Indians also celebrate their festivals like Holi, Diwali, Pongal and others here.
India-Brunei relations
This relationship can be gauged from the fact that there are many types of trade between India and Brunei. India imports many things from Brunei. This includes crude oil, hydrocarbons, iron, steel, metal, isotopes, nuclear reactors, boilers, vehicles. Brunei buys dairy products, fruits, nuts, grains, oil, cosmetics, dairy products and aluminium from India. In 2013, the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had come here to participate in the ASEAN conference, but PM Modi is the first Prime Minister of India to visit Brunei for bilateral talks.
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