PM Modi to be Welcomed by Sultan of Brunei, Owner of 7000 Luxury Cars

New Delhi: PM Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei Darussalam on Tuesday for the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister. The two-day visit is set to enhance diplomatic relations between India and Brunei. Upon arrival at the airport, Prime Minister Modi was greeted warmly by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, where he was given a guard of honour.  "PM @narendramodi alights in Brunei to a ceremonial welcome. Warmly received by Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

PM Modi visited Brunei at the invitation of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who is the world's second-longest reigning monarch after the UK's Queen Elizabeth II. The Sultan of Brunei is known for his impressive car collection, which has earned him a Guinness World Record.   

His collection includes approximately: 

• 600 Rolls-Royces
• 450 Ferraris
• 380 Bentleys

Numerous other luxury brands, including Porsches, Lamborghinis, Maybachs, Jaguars, BMWs, and McLarens. 

Among the Sultan of Brunei's prized possessions are:

• Bentley Dominator SUV: Valued at around $80 million
• Porsche 911: Features Horizon Blue paint and an X88 power package
• Rolls-Royce Silver Spur II: Plated with 24-carat gold
• Custom Rolls-Royce: Designed with an open roof and a pure gold umbrella

The Sultan also resides in the Istana Nurul Iman Palace, the world’s largest residential palace according to Guinness World Records. Covering over two million square feet and adorned with 22-carat gold, the palace boasts five swimming pools, 1,700 bedrooms, 257 bathrooms, and 110 garages.

His possessions further include a private zoo with 30 Bengal tigers and various exotic birds, as well as a Boeing 747 aircraft.

Meanwhile,  PM Modi was welcomed by the Indian community members when he arrived at the hotel where he would be staying during his visit. He interacted with the community members. A little girl presented Modi with his sketch and he gave her his autograph. Earlier in his departure statement in New Delhi, PM Modi said he was embarking on a first-ever bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. "As we celebrate the 40 years of our diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to advance our historical relationship to new heights," Modi said.

From Brunei, Modi will travel to Singapore on Wednesday, where he will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. He would also meet with leaders of Singapore's vibrant business community.  "Both countries are important partners in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. I am confident that my visits would further strengthen our partnership with Brunei, Singapore and the larger ASEAN region," PM Modi said.