PM Modi's Historic Visit to Brunei: Strengthening India-Brunei Ties

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Significance of Brunei for India
• Key highlights of the visit

Why in News?

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brunei Darussalam on an official two-day visit. This is the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei.

The historic visit of Prime Minister coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.

Significance of Brunei for India

• Importance in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy
  • Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.
  • The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is the “central pillar” of India’s Act East Policy. Brunei is also an ASEAN member.
• Economic significance
  • Many Southeast Asian countries have seen rapid economic growth in the last few decades. Therefore, commerce is also central to these ties.
  • India-Brunei trade last year was approximately $286.20 million.
  • Brunei is one of the largest oil and gas producers in the region.
• Brunei’s location in South China Sea
  • India also has vital stakes in the South China Sea, as almost 55 per cent of its trade passes through the disputed waters.
• To counter China
  • 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.
  • Experts believe India can capitalise on Brunei’s potential to tap into its China+1 strategy. 
• The China Plus One strategy is a business strategy that encourages companies to diversify their manufacturing and supply chains by investing in countries other than China. 
• Indian diaspora
  • The first phase of Indians arriving in Brunei started with the discovery of oil in the 1920s. Currently, approximately 14,000 Indians are residing in Brunei.
  • The contribution of Indian doctors and teachers to the growth and development of Brunei’s healthcare and education sectors has been well acknowledged.
• Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Visits to India
  • Sultan Bolkiah, one of the world’s longest-reigning monarchs, has visited India four times.
  • His visits have emphasized strengthening ties, with his most recent visit in 2018 as Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day parade.

Key highlights of the visit

• About the visit
  • PM Modi landed in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam, on September 3 for his official visit to the country.
  • The first Indian PM to visit the Southeast Asian nation, his trip also marks 40 years since India and Brunei officially established diplomatic ties.
• Key highlights of the visit
  • Inaugurated a new Chancery of the High Commission of India
    • PM Modi inaugurated a new Chancery of the High Commission of India and visited the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.
    • The mosque has a fusion of architecture from the Mughal era and the Italian Renaissance period.
    • The new Chancery will highly enhance the diplomatic relations between the two countries.
    • This chancery design shows Indian motifs, which embody the cultural spirit in Indian buildings and help establish Indianness in Brunei.
  • Defense Cooperation
    • A Joint Working Group will be established to enhance defense ties between India and Brunei.
  • Space Cooperation Pact
    • PM Modi and Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah discussed signing a space cooperation agreement, indicating a mutual interest in advancing technological collaboration in space exploration and satellite technology.
    • PM Modi expressed appreciation for Brunei's support in hosting ISRO's Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station.
  • Cooperation in energy sector
    • The two countries discussed the possibility of long-term cooperation in LNG supplies.
    • This is significant as India has dropped its demand for oil from Brunei in favour of Russian oil imports in recent years.
  • Strengthening Bilateral Ties: Enhanced Partnership
    • India and Brunei elevated their bilateral relationship to an "enhanced partnership," agreeing to cooperate on key areas such as defense, trade, investment, space, health, education, and cultural exchanges.
    • They also recognized the importance of regular dialogue through platforms like the Joint Trade Committee (JTC).

Q.1. Why is Brunei significant for India’s Act East Policy?

Brunei plays a key role in India's Act East Policy due to its location in the South China Sea and membership in ASEAN, enhancing regional economic and defense ties.

Q.2. What were the major outcomes of PM Modi's visit to Brunei?

The visit resulted in enhanced defense and space cooperation, including discussions on LNG supplies and elevating India-Brunei ties to an “enhanced partnership”.

Source: Eye on China, Modi in Brunei: India backs policy of development, not expansionism | MEA | The Hindu | Indian Express