PM Modi Visit to Brunei

PM Modi Visit to Brunei

 

Why in the news?                                   

               Recently,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 the Prime Minister coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.

 

 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).

 

About India-Brunei Relationship

 

 Historical background

  • The official diplomatic relations between India and Brunei Darussalam were established in 1984.

○Before that, Indian representation was through the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

○Brunei Darussalam opened its High Commission in India in 1992.

In 1993, India's High Commission was set up in Brunei.

○Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Brunei in 2013, during the ASEAN-India summit.

 

 Geographical  location of Brunei:

  • It is located along the northern coast of Borneo Island in Southeast Asia.
  • It is situated both in the Northern and Eastern hemispheres of the Earth.
  • Brunei is bordered by the South China Sea in the north and on all other sides by Malaysia. Brunei is divided into two non-contiguous parts by a portion of the Malaysian State of Sarawak. Brunei shares its maritime borders with China and Malaysia.
  • Capital: Bander Seri Begawan – the capital and largest city of Brunei.
  • Mountain: Bukit Pagon is the highest point in the country at 6,069 ft along the border with Malaysia in the eastern mountainous region.
  • Rivers: Numerous rivers drain the land, including the Belait, Pandaruan, and Tutong.
  • It is also a major oil producer in Southeast Asia.

 

Relation in the defense sector

  • The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation was renewed in 2021.
  • The officers of Indian naval ships have regularly visited Brunei and participated in events like Milan and the Western Pacific Naval Symposium.
  • Indian companies have participated in Brunei's Defense Exhibition, and Brunei delegations have visited India to attend  DEFEXPO and AERO INDIA.

Commercial Relations

  • India and Brunei trade includes key exports from India such as automobiles, rice, and spices, and Crude oil is a major import for India.
  • In 2023, India's exports to Brunei reached $128.2 million, and imports reached $67 million.
  • Both countries have participated in several trade fairs and exhibitions, and there have been many virtual meetings held to promote bilateral trade.
  • In 2018, the first Joint Trade Committee meeting was held to enhance trade relations.

 

Significance of India-Brunei Relations

Strategic Positioning: Brunei plays a crucial role in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly in maritime security and regional peace.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties: The visit signifies a shift to an ‘Enhanced Partnership,’ focusing on mutual cooperation in defense, space technology, and cultural ties.

Act East Policy: Brunei is an important partner for India in its broader Act East Policy, helping India deepen its engagement with Southeast Asia, particularly through ASEAN.

 

Challenges

  • The trade volume between India and Brunei is relatively low compared to their potential.
  • Direct connectivity between India and Brunei is limited, affecting business travel and tourism.
  • Cultural and language differences can pose challenges in building deeper understanding and cooperation.

 

Way Forward

  • Both countries should explore new opportunities for trade and investment, such as joint ventures in sectors like technology, healthcare and renewable energy.
  • Establishing direct flights and improving logistical connections can promote trade and tourism.
  • Promoting cultural exchange programmes, educational collaboration, and language training can help in bridging cultural gaps and improving mutual understanding.

Both countries should work together on regional security issues and align their interest in the Indo-Pacific region.