The visit ushers in a new era of even stronger India-Brunei ties, says PM Modi
India and Brunei elevated their ties to an Enhanced Partnership on Tuesday (September 4, 2024) during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to the Southeast Asian nation.
 
The decision was announced after Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with Brunei's Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. A joint statement issued after their meeting said both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen, deepen and enhance partnership in all areas of mutual interest.
 
This is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei and it coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries this year. Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy, which is completing 10 years, and its Vision of the Indo-Pacific.
 
During their meeting, both leaders held discussions for enhancing 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, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest, the joint statement noted.
 
Prime Minister Modi, who described the visit as "productive," also attended a banquet hosted by Brunei's Sultan and members of the royal family. He is the first Indian 
 
"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," Prime Minister Modi said on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. 
 
During their talks, Prime Minister Modi and Sultan Hassanal called for leveraging respective strengths including in technology, finance, manufacturing and processing and to explore complementarities in a mutually beneficial manner. They also 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.
 
The two 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.
 
Prime Minister Modi expressed deep appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for continuing to host 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.
 
According to the joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed their steadfast commitment to maintaining the peace, stability, security, prosperity and resilience of the region, and underscored the importance of adhering to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and international law.
 
They also 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," the statement added.