PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Brunei to Strengthen Space, Defence Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history with his first visit to Brunei on September 3 and 4, marking a significant step in India-Brunei relations. This visit is notable as it is the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei and aligns with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The visit is particularly significant as it will address and enhance cooperation in space and defence sectors. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has highlighted that PM Modi’s trip is expected to bolster existing agreements and explore new avenues for collaboration. India currently has multiple agreements with Brunei in the space sector, including a telemetry station.

Modi’s visit is also timed with a pause in his earlier schedule to attend the BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok, which was postponed due to new government formations in participating countries. The visit to Brunei is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ties with a key ASEAN partner.

The relationship between India and Brunei has been evolving since Modi first met Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in 2014 during the ASEAN Summit in Myanmar and again at the 2017 East Asia Summit in the Philippines. This visit builds on previous engagements and aims to solidify bilateral relations further.

Recent interactions between Indian and Bruneian officials, including a July meeting between Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and his Bruneian counterpart, have paved the way for this high-profile visit. Both nations celebrated their 40-year diplomatic relationship with a special logo launch.

In addition to space cooperation, the visit will focus on enhancing trade ties and energy security. India currently imports crude oil worth $270 million from Brunei. The nations also plan to discuss energy cooperation and bolster trade relations, with Brunei being a crucial player in India’s Act East Policy.

On the defence front, discussions are ongoing to establish a joint working group. This follows recent participation by Indian defence firms in Brunei’s Defence Industry Exposition, where Indian companies were well received by Brunei’s leadership.

Modi’s visit will further explore strategic partnerships and address ongoing discussions about defence cooperation. As Brunei has been a supportive partner in the ASEAN framework, this visit reaffirms India’s commitment to strengthening its ties within the region.

Approximately 14,500 Indians reside in Brunei, primarily engaged in the oil, gas, and construction sectors. The visit is also expected to address the interests and contributions of the Indian expatriate community in Brunei.

Overall, PM Modi’s visit to Brunei signifies a deepening of strategic ties and collaboration, reflecting both nations’ aspirations for enhanced cooperation in key areas like space and defence.