His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed Brunei’s commitment to expanding cooperation with India into new areas such as ICT, renewable energy, agriculture, and the halal industry.
In a titah during a luncheon with Prime Minister of India His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, the monarch said that relations between both countries have elevated into an “Enhanced Partnership”, promising a deeper partnership and will contribute to more significant regional growth and stability.
“Our countries share deep-rooted friendship and strong people-to-people ties. The Indian community in Brunei, from business enterprises to professionals, has significantly contributed to our socio-economic development, further strengthening our bonds,” said the sultan.
His Majesty added: “As we celebrate our past, we look to the future with optimism. Together, we can enhance our cooperation in connectivity, energy, education, and health.”
The monarch further said that works have extended to regional and international forums, such as ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations which have matured into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, offering more opportunities and benefits for the people.
“We value India’s support for ASEAN Centrality, ensuring our region remains inclusive, transparent, and resilient. As we look to the future, I am confident our ties will continue to strengthen, and we will seize opportunities to build a brighter tomorrow for our people,” said the sultan.
His Majesty also applauded the Indian premier’s leadership for transforming into one of the fastest-growing economies, a testament to his visionary guidance.
The monarch is confident that India will continue to elevate its global standing and achieve its goal of becoming a fully developed economy by 2047.
“Your visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of our diplomatic relations, highlighting our commitment to strengthening our important partnership,” added His Majesty.
For his part, His Excellency Modi highlighted comprehensive talks on various aspects of Brunei-India ties to give a strategic direction to the partnership.
He said that both countries are committed to strengthening cooperation in economic, scientific, and strategic sectors, especially strengthening cooperation in FinTech and Cyber Security along with Agri-industry, pharmaceutical and health sectors.
“Under the energy sector, we discussed the potential for long-term cooperation in LNG. To strengthen our defence cooperation, we held a constructive dialogue on possibilities of cooperation in the defence industry, training and capacity building,” said the prime minister.
He further said that to strengthen cooperation in the Space sector, both countries have agreed on cooperation in satellite development, remote sensing, and training including connectivity with direct flights to commence soon.
“Brunei is an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. India has always given priority to ASEAN Centrality and will continue to do so. We support freedom of navigation and overflight under international laws like UNCLOS. We agree that a Code of Conduct should be finalised in this region. We support the policy of development and not expansionism,” said Prime Minister Modi.
He also said that people-to-people ties are the foundation of the Brunei-India relationship.
“I am happy that the Indian community in Brunei is making positive contributions to Brunei’s economy and society. With the inauguration of a new chancery of the High Commission of India on Tuesday, the Indian community has found a permanent address in Brunei. We are grateful to His Majesty and his government for the welfare of the Indian community in Brunei,” he added.
The prime minister extended his gratitude for the respect shown to him and prayed for the good health and prosperity of His Majesty, members of the royal family, and the people of Brunei.
BILATERAL MEETING
Prior to the luncheon, a meeting was held between His Majesty the Sultan and Prime Minister Modi reflecting on the excellent progress in bilateral relations over the years, including the good cooperation in connectivity, trade and investment, energy, education and health.
Both Leaders welcomed the planned direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai as well as the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand Station, which will be beneficial to both countries.
His Majesty further expressed appreciation for the contributions of Indian nationals across various sectors to the socio-economic development of Brunei Darussalam.
Moving forward, His Majesty and His Excellency reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations to an “Enhanced Partnership” through the issuance of a joint statement on an Enhanced Partnership between Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of India.
Both Leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, including developments in ASEAN including Myanmar, climate change, developments in Palestine-Israel and developments in Russia-Ukraine.
Also present during the Bilateral Meeting was His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al- Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office.
SIGNING OF A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
After the Bilateral Meeting, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and His Excellency Prime Minister Modi witnessed the signing of an agreement on Cooperation and Telecommand Station for Satellite and Launch Vehicles and Cooperation in the Field of Space Research, Science and Applications.
Signing on behalf of the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam was Minister of Transport and Infocommunications Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha, while the Government of the Republic of India was represented by its External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
