Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Ramu Abbagani underscored a forward-looking vision for bilateral ties, stating that India and Brunei have agreed to build an “elevated partnership.”
In an event commemorating the 77th Republic Day of India, he anchored the diplomatic momentum behind the landmark visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brunei in September 2024, which coincided with 40 years of formal relations.
“The historic visit of our Prime Minister to Brunei Darussalam is a landmark occasion and sets the tone for taking relations to a higher level,” he said, confirming mutual high-level commitment.
He also noted progress on defence collaboration, including the recent signing of a Terms of Reference for a Joint Working Group, with its inaugural meeting held in New Delhi. This aligns with India’s broader journey toward defence self-reliance, which it is now keen to share with Brunei.
On economic and sectoral engagement, the high commissioner highlighted active Indian investment in downstream petrochemicals, food processing and solar energy in Brunei – areas that dovetail with Brunei’s national development blueprint, Wawasan Brunei 2035.
He added that memoranda of understanding in fields such as digital technology, agriculture and health are currently under discussion.
Space collaboration emerged as another notable dimension, with Brunei hosting a Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) station for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). “India is pleased to share our experience in Space Technology with our friend Brunei Darussalam,” he affirmed, referencing India’s recent achievements in lunar exploration.
Culturally, the high commissioner drew attention to a symbolic diplomatic coincidence: UNESCO’s simultaneous recognition of Bruneian Pantun and India’s Deepavali as intangible cultural heritage at a meeting in New Delhi.
“I tell my friends in Brunei that we are lucky charms for each other,” he said warmly. To further boost tourism and people-to-people links, he announced the upcoming launch of an “Incredible India” promotional bus tour across Brunei and reiterated the importance of facilitating visa-on-arrival for Indian visitors.
The reception also honoured the contributions of the local Indian community. Three eminent Indians, namely Dr Thirunavukkarasu Ganesan, Professor Dr Nehaluddin Ahmad and Professor Hasnain, were celebrated for their professional accomplishments, which have been recognised by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
High Commissioner Abbagani also praised Indian medical professionals now conducting complex procedures such as liver transplants in Brunei in partnership with Jerudong Park Medical Centre, reducing the need for patients to travel overseas.
The event was attended by nearly 300 dignitaries, diplomats and members of the Indian diaspora, including Minister of Transport and Infocommunications, Yang Berhormat Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mustapha and spouse.
The evening’s festivities included cultural performances by members of the Indian community and a yoga demonstration, reflecting the shared heritage and growing interpersonal bonds between the two nations.
In closing, the high commissioner thanked the Bruneian government and event sponsors, reinforcing a shared pathway toward deeper cooperation and enduring friendship.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
