Visit to Brunei ushers in new era of stronger ties, Says PM Modi

The Prime Minister said his two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam was the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM to the Southeast Asian nation and reflected New Delhi's deep desire to boost the bilateral ties and further boost action on India's 'Act East' policy and its Indo-Pacific vision.

"My visit to Brunei Darussalam was productive. It ushers in a new era of even stronger India-Brunei ties. Our friendship will contribute to a better planet. I am grateful to the people and Government of Brunei for their hospitality and affection, " said PM Modi as he left for Singapore–the second and final leg of his visit to the region.

Earlier, India and Brunei on Wednesday called for leveraging respective strengths including in fields of technology, finance, manufacturing, and processing as PM Modi wrapped up a "historic" visit to the country.

During the extensive bilateral discussion between the two leaders at the Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan, several agreements were inked, including an MoU on Cooperation in the Operation of Telemetry, Tracking and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles.

First-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Head of Government, Prime Minister Modi said that this reflected New Delhi's deep desire to boost bilateral ties. He also underlined that his visit was in keeping with India's commitment to strengthen its 'Act East Policy', which has entered its 10th year.

We had detailed discussions on diverse areas of our relationship to lend a strategic direction to our partnership. We are committed to strengthen our cooperation in economic, scientific and strategic sectors. We have decided to enhance our cooperation in fintech and cyber security along with agi-industry, pharmaceutical and health sectors," said PM Modi at the banquet hosted by the Sultan of Brunei in his honour.

Under the energy sector, we discussed the possible long-term cooperation in LNG. To further strengthen our defence cooperation, we held constructive dialogue on possibilities of cooperation in defence industry, training and capacity building. To further strengthen our cooperation in the Space sector, we have agreed on cooperation in satellite development, remote sensing and training. "To enhance connectivity between the two countries, direct flights will be commenced soon," he added.

Both leaders welcomed the elevation of bilateral ties to the level of Enhanced Partnership. Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues and condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. They reiterated their commitment to work closely together in mutually beneficial areas with a view to further strengthening the ASEAN–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

In the Joint Statement released after the bilateral talks, PM Modi conveyed India's "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.

The Sultan of Brunei, in turn, appreciated the training and scholarship provided by India to Bruneians under the various programmes including Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation ITEC and e-ITEC programmes.

"Both Leaders reaffirmed their commitments to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety, and security and respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in accordance with international law, notably the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The leaders called on all parties to pursue the resolution of disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law, specifically UNCLOS 1982," the Joint Statement said.

Noting that the two countries have historical linkages dating back centuries facilitated by cultural interactions and trade, the leaders have welcomed the plan for direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai, which would offer a boost to people-to-people linkages in addition to facilitating trade and tourism activities between the two nations.