NewsGate Press Network

Just before he concluded his landmark visit to Brunei, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday the 4th of September 2024 decided that India-Brunei ties be elevated to Enhanced Partnership level.

Modi held talks with Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. The talks were centred on trade & investment, agriculture, manufacturing, pharma, long term partnership in LNG and defence.

In his statement during the banquet hosted by the Sultan, the prime minister said that his is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Head of the Government to Brunei, and that he and his delegation had experienced the age-old cultural connect between the two nations.

He also congratulated the Sultan and the country on its 40th year of independence and said that under the Sultan Brunei has progressed.

“On behalf of 140 crore Indians I extend best wishes,” the PM said.

He said this year also marks 40 years of bilateral ties and that both sides have decided to elevate the ties and give it the designation of Enhanced Partnership in order to give the relations a strategic direction.

“We had comprehensive talks on various aspects of our ties to give a strategic direction to our partnership. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in economic, scientific, and strategic sectors. We have decided to strengthen our cooperation in FinTech and Cyber Security along with Agri-industry, pharmaceutical and health sectors.

“Under energy sector, we discussed the potential for long term cooperation in LNG. To strengthen our defence cooperation, we held constructive dialogue on possibilities of cooperation in defence industry, training and capacity building. To strengthen our cooperation in Space sector, we have agreed on cooperation in satellite development, remote sensing, and training. To enhance connectivity between the two countries, direct flights will be commenced soon,” the PM said.

The PM said that people to people ties form the foundation of their relations, and added that he is happy that the Indian community is participating in contributing to the economy and society of the Southeast Asian nation.

He also thanked the Sultan for looking after the Indian community.

The PM said that Brunei is an important part of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. He also said that India is for centrality of ASEAN, of which Brunei is a member.

He said that India supports UNCLOS and freedom of navigation and overflight in the seas and for following a code of conduct in the region – in oblique reference to China’s hegemonistic behaviour in the region.

Earlier, in his media statement after holding bilateral talks, the PM said he is confident that his visit

will impart a strategic direction to their bilateral ties.

He recalled the Brunei Sultan’s visit to India to participate as Chief Guest in the Republic Day parade in 2018.

He also said that under the Sultan’s direction the bilateral relationship has grown over the years.

The PM in a post on X said his visit to Brunei was productive.

“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.”

The MEA spokesperson in a post on X said:

“Infusing fresh impetus to India-Brunei ties & to ‘Act East’ Policy.

“PM @narendramodi and H.M. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei held productive discussions in Bandar Seri Begawan today. They welcomed the elevation of bilateral ties to Enhanced Partnership.

“The two leaders took stock of bilateral relations including in areas of defence, trade & investment, energy, space technology, health and pharmaceuticals, capacity building, culture and people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”