• India and Brunei elevated their ties to ‘Enhanced Partnership’ as Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah covering defence, trade and investment.

• PM Modi undertook an official visit to Brunei Darussalam on September 3 and 4. 

• This was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei Darussalam. In October 2013, PM Manmohan Singh visited Brunei to attend the 11th ASEAN-India Summit.

• The historic visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

• Brunei is an important partner in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. India and Brunei enjoy a friendly relationship which is marked by mutual respect and understanding on bilateral and multilateral issues. The two countries are linked by history, culture and tradition spanning a millennium.

Highlights of the meeting:

• 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.

• They 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.

• PM Modi 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 sides have 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.

Key facts about Brunei:

• By the 19th century, the Brunei Darussalam Empire had been whittled away by wars, piracy and the colonial expansion of European powers. In 1847, the sultan concluded a treaty with Great Britain and in 1888 Brunei Darussalam officially became a British protectorate. In 1906, the Residential System was established in Brunei Darussalam. A British Resident was nominated as a representative of the British government to advise the sultan in all matters except Malay customs, traditions and Islamic religion.

• The 1959 Agreement established a written constitution which gave Brunei Darussalam internal self-government. In 1971, the agreement was amended and revised to assert full internal independence except defence and external affairs.

• On January 1, 1984, Brunei became a new nation, celebrating its independence and affirming its identity as a Malay and Islamic State governed by a monarchy.

• Brunei Darussalam is situated on the north-west of the island of Borneo. It is bounded on the North by the South China Sea and on all the other sides by Malaysian State of Sarawak.

• Bandar Seri Begawan is the capital city.

• Official language is Malay. Other languages include English and Chinese.

• Brunei is very much dependent on revenues from crude oil and natural gas. It is the fourth largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and the ninth largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. 

• The majority of the country is covered in tropical rainforests teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Anxious to promote the conservation of its lush surroundings, eco-tourism has gained importance in the country’s economic activities.

India-Brunei Darussalam Relations

• India and Brunei Darussalam are linked by history, culture and tradition spanning a millennium. The diplomatic ties between the countries were established in May 1984, following Brunei’s independence from the British.

• Following establishment of diplomatic relations in 1984, Indian Mission in Brunei was established in May 1993.

• Brunei is India’s key partner in the ASEAN region and in India’s vision of the Indo-Pacific.

• Brunei is also a participant country in India's Nalanda University endeavour.

• The discovery of oil in 1929 brought several Indians to Brunei to work in the hydrocarbon sector and allied services. Currently, there are approximately 14,000 Indian nationals living and working in Brunei, of which a majority are from Tamil Nadu (over 40 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (over 15 per cent) and Kerala(over 10 per cent).

• Bilateral trade between the countries was at $286.20 million in 2023-24. 

• There exists vast potential for economic cooperation between the countries. 

• India’s main exports to Brunei consist of automobiles, transport equipment, rice and spices. 

• India is one of the largest importers of crude oil from Brunei and has been importing crude oil worth approximately $500-600 million every year.

• An MoU for implementation of defence cooperation was signed between India and Brunei in 2016, which was renewed in 2021.

• A bilateral agreement was signed in August 1997 for setting up of ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Station in Brunei. This was established in 2000 and has been functioning since.

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