Our Bureau
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
In a historic visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to Brunei on September 3-4, 2024, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the Southeast Asian nation. The two-day trip, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei, focused on strengthening bilateral relations, particularly in the areas of defense, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
During his meeting with Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, PM Modi emphasized India’s commitment to a policy of development rather than expansionism in the region. The two leaders discussed ways to enhance cooperation in defense, space, trade and economic initiatives.
The visit comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, where China has been increasingly assertive in its territorial claims. PM Modi and Sultan Bolkiah reiterated their commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the region, consistent with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on cooperation in the operation of Telemetry, Tracking and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles, with PM Modi expressing appreciation for Brunei’s continued hosting of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s station.
The leaders also welcomed the upcoming launch of a direct flight between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai, which is expected to boost economic and cultural ties between the two nations. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the new Chancery Building of the Indian High Commission in Brunei, which will feature Indian motifs and help establish a sense of Indianness in the country.
During his visit, PM Modi also interacted with the Indian community in Brunei, which numbers around 14,000 people. He appreciated their contribution as a living bridge between the two countries and their role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Overall, PM Modi’s historic visit to Brunei marks a significant step in strengthening India’s ties with Southeast Asia, particularly in the context of the Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. By focusing on defense cooperation, trade, and cultural exchanges, the two countries aim to build a stronger partnership that can contribute to regional stability and prosperity.
