Bandar Seri Begawan, September 4, 2024 – At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India undertook a historic visit to Brunei Darussalam from September 3 to 4, 2024. This marked the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Southeast Asian nation and came on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, and held a bilateral meeting with His Majesty the Sultan, followed by an official luncheon at the Istana Nurul Iman. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the India-Brunei partnership and discussed a broad range of cooperation areas including defence, trade, investment, energy, space, ICT, health, and education.
The visit highlighted historical ties between the two nations, which date back centuries, and reiterated the significance of the Indian community in Brunei’s socio-economic development. His Majesty commended their contributions, while both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and connectivity, with the planned direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai aimed at boosting people-to-people exchanges and tourism.
Discussions also included deepening defence and maritime cooperation, with both sides welcoming the regular port calls by naval vessels and joint military exercises. The two leaders also discussed food security, agreeing to collaborate on agriculture and the food supply chain, and recognized the importance of youth exchanges and skill-building programs.
Prime Minister Modi lauded Brunei’s long-standing support of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) through its Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station, vital to India’s space missions. Both sides agreed to further collaboration in space exploration under the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
On regional and international issues, both leaders expressed a strong commitment to multilateralism and maintaining peace, stability, and maritime security in the region, especially in adherence to UNCLOS 1982. They also condemned terrorism and agreed to strengthen efforts to combat terrorism and transnational crime. Additionally, both nations emphasized the urgent need to address climate change, with Brunei appreciating India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance and Global Bio-fuel Alliance.
The visit concluded with a reaffirmation of India and Brunei’s commitment to peace and prosperity, while Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to His Majesty to visit India in the near future.
This landmark visit is expected to significantly strengthen the India-Brunei Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and foster deeper cooperation across multiple domains.
