NEW DELHI: Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, interacted with the Indian community in Brunei during his official visit to the country.
He visited the Belait district, known for its oil and gas industry, where a significant number of Indians reside and contribute significantly to Brunei’s economy and energy security.
Muraleedharan expressed his pleasure in being in Brunei for the first time and looked forward to his engagements with businesses and the wider Indian community.
The Ministry of External Affairs also said that more than 14,000 Indians have made Brunei their home. As part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM) celebrations, the Indian associations in Brunei will organise cultural performances. Muraleedharan’s visit to Brunei is part of his official tour, which includes Malaysia from May 30 to June 2.
Upon reaching Malaysia, the Minister of State will have a private meeting with Malaysia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Mohamad bin Alamin. Additionally, he will meet with V Sivakumar, the Malaysian Minister of Human Resources.
Muraleedharan will participate in the inauguration of the first-ever Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Day in Malaysia, known as Aprawasi Diwas. He will also launch the PIO International Festival, scheduled to take place from June 2 to June 4, 2023.
During the ‘Pravasiya Bharatiya Utsav,’ Muraleedharan will address the Indian community and diaspora. Malaysia is home to the second-largest PIO population globally, with 2.75 million PIOs residing in the country.
The interactions and engagements with the Indian community in Brunei and Malaysia provide an opportunity to strengthen ties, promote cultural exchange, and explore avenues for collaboration between India and these nations.
Muraleedharan’s visit aims to enhance bilateral relations, foster economic cooperation, and support the welfare of the Indian diaspora.