Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a landmark visit to Brunei, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has toured the Southeast Asian nation. The visit follows a personal invitation from Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei’s 29th Sultan. This trip underscores Brunei’s strategic significance under India’s Act East Policy.
Brunei Darussalam, commonly known as Brunei, is a small country located on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Covering just 5,765 square kilometres, it is smaller than many states in India, such as Sikkim. The capital city is Bandar Seri Begawan, which houses around 2 lakh of Brunei’s 4,55,885 residents as of 2023.
Brunei’s monarchy dates back to the 14th century, with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah ascending the throne in 1967. Upon Brunei’s independence from Britain in 1984, Bolkiah also took on the role of Prime Minister. Despite its small size, Brunei’s Sultan is renowned for his immense wealth, previously topping global rich lists until the 1980s. Forbes estimates his net worth at over Rs 1.4 lakh crore, primarily derived from the nation’s oil and natural gas reserves.
Sultan Bolkiah resides in the grand ‘Istana Nurul Iman,’ the world’s largest palace. Spanning 2 million square feet, this opulent residence was constructed in 1984 at a cost of around Rs 50,000. It boasts a 22-carat gold dome, 1,700 rooms, 250 bathrooms, five swimming pools, and a garage for over 200 vehicles.
The Sultan’s extravagance extends to his personal collection, which includes over 700 luxury cars – 300 Ferraris and about 500 Rolls-Royces – valued at over $5 billion. He also owns a gold-covered Boeing 747 private jet. Additionally, his stables house approximately 200 horses.
Brunei enforces strict Sharia law, which includes severe penalties for crimes such as adultery and theft. In 2014, the country adopted these stringent laws, which in 2019 were further criticised internationally for imposing the death penalty by stoning for adultery and same-sex relations.
Despite its size, Brunei plays a significant role in India’s strategic interests. Its substantial oil and natural gas reserves are pivotal to its economy, with India investing approximately $270 million in Brunei’s hydrocarbon sector. Both nations are exploring expanded cooperation in areas like space technology and healthcare. Strategically, Brunei’s support is crucial for India in the Indo-Pacific region, especially given the ongoing territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.
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