Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a significant diplomatic mission to Southeast Asia, marking his first-ever visit to Brunei. This visit is aimed at deepening India’s bilateral relations with the resource-rich nation and is expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation between the two countries.
PM Modi’s visit to Brunei involves a two-day stay where he is set to meet with Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs. The Sultan, known for his extraordinary wealth and luxurious lifestyle, will host Modi at the grand ‘Istana Nurul Iman,’ the world’s largest residential palace.
The meeting between the two leaders is anticipated to cover a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, and regional security, highlighting Brunei’s strategic importance in Southeast Asia.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who has ruled Brunei since 1967, is not only a key political figure but also one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. His personal fortune, estimated at around $30 billion, has earned him global recognition for his opulent lifestyle. The Sultan’s wealth is reflected in his grand residence, the Istana Nurul Iman, which is considered the largest palace in the world.
Constructed in 1984, Istana Nurul Iman, or “Palace of the Light of Faith,” is an architectural marvel. Spanning an astounding 2 million square feet, the palace features a 22-carat gold dome, 1,700 rooms, 250 bathrooms, and five swimming pools. The palace’s garage can accommodate over 200 vehicles, a necessity given the Sultan’s legendary car collection.
Sultan Bolkiah’s car collection is one of the most impressive in the world, boasting over 7,000 vehicles, including 600 Rolls-Royces, 450 Ferraris, and 380 Bentleys. Among these are rare and custom-made cars, such as a gold-coated Rolls-Royce and a Ferrari 456 GT Venice, a model so exclusive that only seven were ever produced. The total value of this collection is estimated to exceed $5 billion.
In addition to his vast collection of cars, the Sultan owns an extraordinary fleet of private aircraft, including a Boeing 747-400, a Boeing 767-200, and an Airbus A340-200. The Boeing 747-400, often referred to as the “flying palace,” is particularly noteworthy for its luxurious interior, which is adorned with gold and Lalique crystal. The aircraft alone reportedly cost $400 million.
