Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced that India and Brunei have elevated their relationship to the status of Enhanced Partnership.
PM Modi, in return, thanked Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei for the warm welcome and hospitality at the banquet hosted by him. Additionally, he underlined the deep historical and cultural relationship between the two countries, emphasizing that this year marks the 40th anniversary of their political relations.
PM Modi said, “India and Brunei have deep historical and cultural linkages. We are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our political relations this year. We have decided to elevate our ties to Enhanced Partnership.” He said that wide-ranging discussions had taken place to give strategic direction to their partnership. “We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in economic, scientific and strategic areas,” he added.
He also added that PM Modi further revealed that discussions with the Sultan included long-term cooperation in LNG and the strengthening of collaboration in the space sector. He further announced that direct flights between the countries will start soon.
“We have decided to prioritize cooperation in areas such as agriculture, industry, pharma, health, technology, and cybersecurity,” PM Modi added. “In the energy sector, we explored long-term cooperation in LNG. We also discussed opportunities for defense industry training and capacity building.”
To further enhance space cooperation, PM Modi referred to agreements on the development of satellites, remote sensing, and training. Direct flights will improve connectivity between India and Brunei, and positive contributions of the Indian community were also noted. PM Modi said, “I am pleased that the Indian community is positively impacting Brunei’s economy and society. With the inauguration of the Indian High Commission, the Indian community now has a permanent address. We appreciate the Sultan’s support for their welfare.”
The PM appreciated Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s leadership and progress under him in Brunei. “This year marks the 40th Independence Day for Brunei. Under your leadership, Your Majesty, Brunei has been making good strides by tuning tradition and modernity. Your vision for Wawasan 2035 is commendable, and I wish you and the people of Brunei all the best on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians,” he said.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome by the Sultan, PM Modi also reflected upon the shared history between the nations: “Thank you to the royal family for the warm reception and hospitality. Even though this was the first bilateral meeting of an Indian Prime Minister with Brunei, the warmth reminded me of our shared history.”
PM Modi termed Brunei an “important partner” of India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. “Brunei is crucial to our Act East policy. India prioritizes ASEAN centrality and supports freedom of navigation under international laws like UNCLOS. We agree on the need for a code of conduct and support development over expansion,” he said.
PM Modi and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah held a “wide-ranging” discussion on strengthening bilateral ties. PM Modi took to Twitter and said, “Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks covered various aspects of cementing our bilateral relationship, including expanding trade, commercial linkages, and people-to-people exchanges.”
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed Brunei an “important partner” in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision. Jaiswal tweeted on X, “Building stronger India-Brunei relations. PM @narendramodi was warmly welcomed by Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Brunei is a key partner in our Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.”
PM Modi conveyed a desire for strengthened relations between the two nations as he arrived in Brunei on Tuesday. Subsequently, the head of state received a warm welcome and inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India in Bandar Seri Begawan. Furthermore, the design of the chancery features modern elements combined with traditional motifs.
Besides the above meetings, PM Modi also visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and called on Brunei’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Minister of Health. On his visit to Brunei, PM Modi would then travel to Singapore on a two-day visit to the city-state from September 4-5.
ANI
