Eye on China, Modi in Brunei: India backs policy of development, not expansionism

According to the joint statement issued after the bilateral talks, “Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce, consistent with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. The leaders also urged all parties to resolve disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS 1982.”

PM Modi meets Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (X/narendramodi)

The joint statement also said both leaders reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to maintaining the region’s peace, stability, security, prosperity and resilience, and underscored the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and international law.

India and Brunei elevate bilateral ties to ‘enhanced partnership’

“My visit to Brunei Darussalam was productive. It ushers in a new era of even stronger India-Brunei ties. Our friendship will contribute to a better planet. I am grateful to the people and Government of Brunei for their hospitality and affection,” Modi posted on X, as he commended the Sultan for providing “strategic direction” to the partnership.

The joint statement said that “reflecting on the excellent progress over the years in bilateral relations, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen, deepen and enhance partnership in all areas of mutual interest”.

It said both leaders held discussions to enhance cooperation on a wide range of issues, including defence, connectivity, trade and investment, energy, including renewables, space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals, education and capacity building, culture, tourism, youth and people-to-people exchanges, and regional and international issues of mutual interest.

PM Modi interacts with the Indian diaspora in Brunei (X/Narendra Modi)

On defence, the joint statement said that both leaders acknowledged the importance of enhancing defence and maritime cooperation including through regular exchanges of visits, training programmes, joint exercises and visits of naval and coast guard ships between both countries. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the regular port-calls by vessels from both countries, it said.

They also agreed to “further expand bilateral trade and economic ties in areas of mutual interest. They further underlined the importance of regular exchanges and dialogue which should be held through key platforms such as the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) as well as other relevant bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums”, the statement said.

It said both leaders called for leveraging respective strengths, including in technology, finance, manufacturing, and processing, and for exploring complementarities in a mutually beneficial manner.

They recognised the importance of food security and agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture and the food supply chain through the sharing of knowledge, best practices and experience, it said.

The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for continuing to host the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station, which has contributed towards India’s ongoing efforts in the field of space. Both leaders appreciated the long-standing arrangement under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two governments and the conclusion of the renewed MoU welcoming further cooperation in the areas of mutual interest under the MOU.

Officials said the PM’s historic visit to Brunei, the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM, is in keeping with India’s commitment to the ‘Act East’ Policy, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah visited India four times

Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, who is the longest reigning monarch in the world and has been among the world’s richest for decades, has paid four visits to India so far — State visits in 1992 and 2008, and he also attended the ASEAN-India commemorative summits in 2012 and 2018.

On the last visit, he was also Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade along with other ASEAN leaders.

Brunei claims to be part of the South China Sea, most of which Beijing says belongs to China. But unlike some other countries with claims in the region, Brunei has kept silent on its own claim to a relatively small area off northern Borneo, focusing on growing trade ties with China as the oil-reliant nation diversifies its economy.

Officials said New Delhi is looking at capitalising on Brunei’s potential to tap into its China+1 strategy. India also has vital stakes in the South China Sea, as almost 55 per cent of its trade passes through the disputed waters.

Modi inaugurated the new chancery premises of the High Commission of India on Tuesday. He also visited the iconic mosque built by the father of the present Sultan, the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque—a mosque with a fusion of architecture from the Mughal era and the Italian Renaissance period.

From Brunei, Modi is headed to Singapore on Wednesday afternoon, where he will meet President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong over Wednesday evening and Thursday. He will also meet with leaders of Singapore’s business community.