India, Brunei to widen and deepen partnership
05 Sep 2024
India and Brunei have decided to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen partnership in all areas of mutual interest. This was announced in a joint statement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Modi was in the Brunei capital of Darussalam, on a state visit, at the invitation of the Bruni Sultan.
The two leaders held discussions on expanding partnership in various areas of mutual interest, including defense, connectivity, trade and investment, energy (including renewables), space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals.
They also discussed cooperation in areas like education and capacity building, culture, tourism, youth and people-to-people exchanges, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.
India and Brunei also decided on closer and regular interaction and exchange of ideas through existing mechanisms, including foreign office consultations and joint working groups, on issues of mutual interest.
Besides, the two leaders agreed on the need to further expand bilateral trade and economic ties by better utilizing key platforms such as the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) and other bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums.
The two countries will leverage their respective strengths in areas such as technology, finance, manufacturing and processing to explore mutually beneficial cooperation.
Both leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture and food supply chain through sharing of knowledge and best practices.
Both leaders acknowledged the importance of enhancing defense and maritime cooperation including through regular exchanges of visits, training programmes, joint exercises and visits of naval and coast guard ships between both countries.
Meanwhile, a planned direct flight between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai, will improve connectivity and people-to-people linkages between the two countries.
The leaders agreed on the need to promote greater youth exchanges between the countries.
Under the youth programme, India currently offers training and scholarship for Bruneian nationals under various programmes, including Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) and e-ITEC programmes.
Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to maintain peace, security, stability for ensuring prosperity and resilience across the region, and to adhere to international law enunciated in the United Nations Charter.
