Joint Statement on an Enhanced Partnership between the Republic of India and Brunei Darussalam

Upon his arrival in Brunei Darussalam, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India was welcomed by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam. His Majesty held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and hosted an Official Lunch for him at the Istana Nurul Iman.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction that the historic visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and acknowledged that the deep-rooted friendship between Brunei Darussalam and India has strengthened in various areas over the past four decades.

Both leaders acknowledged that Brunei Darussalam and India share historical linkages that date back centuries, facilitated by cultural interactions and trade. The formalisation of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1984 marked the beginning of an enduring partnership.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for the valuable contributions of the Indian community across various professions in the country to its socio-economic and national development.

Reflecting on the excellent progress over the years in bilateral relations, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen, deepen and enhance partnership in all areas of mutual interest.

Both leaders held discussions for enhancing cooperation on a wide range of issues including defence, connectivity, trade and investment, energy including renewables, space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals, education and capacity building, culture, tourism, youth and people-to-people exchanges, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of close interaction through the existing bilateral mechanisms and agreed to continue convening regular meetings, exchanges and dialogue on bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest, including regular convening of the Foreign Office Consultations and various Joint Working Group meetings.

Both leaders agreed to further expand bilateral trade and economic ties in areas of mutual interest. They further underlined the importance of regular exchanges and dialogue which should be held through key platforms such as the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) as well as other relevant bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums.

Both leaders called for leveraging respective strengths including in technology, finance, manufacturing and processing and to explore complementarities in a mutually beneficial manner.

Both leaders recognised the importance of food security and agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture and the food supply chain through the sharing of knowledge, best practices and experience.

The Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for continuing to host Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station, which has contributed towards India’s ongoing efforts in the field of space. Both leaders appreciated the long-standing arrangement under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two governments and the conclusion of the renewed MOU welcoming further cooperation in the areas of mutual interest under the MOU.

Both leaders acknowledged the importance of enhancing defence and maritime cooperation including through regular exchanges of visits, training programmes, joint exercises and visits of naval and coast guard ships between both countries.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the regular port-calls by vessels from both countries.

Both leaders welcomed the planned direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai which will foster stronger people-to-people linkages and facilitate increased trade and tourism activities between the two countries.

​Both leaders recognised the important role of youth towards national development and agreed to promote greater youth exchanges between both countries.