The Prime Minister mentioned that these three supercomputers, “PARAM Rudra,” have been installed in Delhi, Pune, and Kolkata. Through these supercomputers, research in fields such as physical sciences, geosciences, and cosmology will be accelerated, further strengthening India’s scientific and technological innovations in the future. Additionally, two high-performance computing systems, named ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunik,’ were also inaugurated, which will aid in climate and weather research.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking at the event, said, “Today’s inauguration is a significant step, as it introduces supercomputers that are both designed and manufactured in India. Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world faces today. In such circumstances, these supercomputers will not only accelerate research but also help farmers, rural areas, and urban communities in developing models to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.” Prime Minister Modi highlighted that in the digital era, computing power has become synonymous with a nation’s progress. There is no field today that is not dependent on technological and computing capacity. These supercomputers will play a crucial role in ensuring India’s success in Industry 4.0.

Referring to the ₹1 lakh crore research fund announced in this year’s budget, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that India’s aim is to empower the world through its innovation and research. Today’s India is not only making new decisions but is also formulating new policies in the field of science and technology. The Prime Minister underscored that the PARAM Rudra supercomputers and other HPC systems would strengthen India’s self-reliance in the fields of science, research, and technology. These systems will not only assist in climate research and agricultural sciences but will also bring significant innovation in fields like cosmology. Thus, India has taken a critical step towards self-reliance in the computing and technological sector, setting a new example for the world in the times to come.

The remarks, intended to underscore the Congress party’s commitment to secularism and religious freedom, have sparked controversy back home. The BJP, the ruling party in India, has accused Gandhi of making anti-national comments on foreign soil, especially in light of his current role as the Leader of the Opposition. The party has expressed concern that such statements harm India’s image globally, and could be seen as playing into the narrative of certain expat Sikh groups that have been critical of India, especially in regard to past grievances.

Among the leading voices criticizing Gandhi’s comments is Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. Calling the remarks “sinister,” Puri accused the Congress leader of attempting to spread a “dangerous narrative” abroad. The minister took particular offense at the implications that Sikhs are currently under threat in India, arguing that these statements were far from reality. Referring to the anti-Sikh riots of 1984, which erupted after the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards, Puri reminded the public that it was under Congress’s rule when Sikhs faced one of the darkest periods in their history. “If there has been one time in our history when as a community, we have felt anxiety, a sense of insecurity, and existential threat, it has been the times when Rahul Gandhi’s family has been in the seats of power,” he said.

The 1984 anti-Sikh riots remain a painful chapter in India’s history, with thousands of Sikhs killed in violence that erupted in Delhi and other parts of the country following the assassination. Congress has long been criticized for its alleged failure to control the violence, and some of its leaders were accused of inciting mobs during the riots. In contrast, BJP supporters argue that the current government has fostered a more secure environment for religious minorities, including Sikhs. Protestors at Sonia Gandhi’s residence emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Sikhs have been able to freely practice their faith and enjoy greater safety and stability than under previous Congress governments.

The controversy surrounding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks comes at a politically sensitive time for Congress. While his comments align with the party’s secular stance, the timing has been problematic, especially given the growing international scrutiny over India’s human rights record. Expats, particularly in countries with large Sikh populations like Canada and the UK, have been vocal critics of the Indian government’s treatment of minorities, and some of these concerns have occasionally fed into separatist movements. The BJP has been quick to capitalize on Gandhi’s comments, portraying him as out of touch with India’s reality and dismissive of the progress made under Modi’s rule. For the BJP, the issue is not just about religion, but also national security, with the party frequently linking such criticisms to broader concerns about India’s sovereignty and unity.

Before his trip, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Today, I am embarking on my first bilateral visit to Brunei Darussalam. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, I am looking forward to meeting His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal Family to elevate our historic ties to new heights.”

The Ministry of External Affairs commented that this visit will further strengthen cooperation between India and Brunei. This cooperation includes defense, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health collaboration, capacity building, culture, and people-to-people contact. Additionally, opportunities for cooperation in new areas will be explored during the visit.

Members of the Indian expatriate community were excited about Prime Minister Modi’s arrival. One expatriate told ANI, “We are all very excited… we have been waiting for his arrival for years. Finally, we will see him. We are all very happy.” Another expatriate said, “I am very excited to see PM Modi. We are proud of the changes he has brought about and the recognition of India as a global leader.”

After his visit to Brunei, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Singapore on Wednesday. In Singapore, he will meet with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong.