India and Brunei on Wednesday (September 4, 2024) committed themselves to respecting freedom of navigation and overflight consistent with international law, a joint statement said here after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah on wide ranging topics and discussed about further expand trade ties, commercial linkages and people-to-people exchanges.
Prime Minister Modi also expressed deep appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for continuing to host Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station that has helped India’s ongoing efforts in the space sector, the statement said.
Prime Minister Modi and the Brunei Sultan also discussed enhancing defence and maritime cooperation through joint exercises, it said.
“Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce, consistent with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982,” it said.
Earlier, before his departure to Singapore, Mr. Modi described his Brunei visit as “productive” and said it ushers in a “new era of even stronger India-Brunei ties” contributing to a better planet.
India and Brunei elevated the bilateral ties to “Enhanced Partnership.”
Mr. Modi, who is the first Indian Prime Minister to travel to Brunei on a bilateral visit, was welcomed by Sultan Bolkiah and his close family members at the Istana Nurul Iman, which is the official residence of the Sultan, and the seat of the Brunei government.
Mr. Modi’s historic visit is an important milestone in the 40-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries that enjoy a friendly relationship marked by mutual respect and understanding on bilateral and multilateral issues, officials said.
“Building stronger India-Brunei relations. PM @narendramodi was warmly welcomed at the Istana Nurul Iman by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei and his close family members.
Brunei is an important partner in India's 'Act East' Policy and its Vision of the Indo-Pacific,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) posted on X along with the photos.
The two countries are linked by history, culture and tradition spanning a millennium, the MEA had said ahead of Mr. Modi’s visit to the South East Asian nation.
India’s delegation led by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi (4th L) and Brunei’s officials led by Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (3rd R) meet at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan on September 4, 2024. | Photo Credit: AFP
The Prime Minister said he was looking forward to strong ties with Brunei, as he arrived here on the first leg of his two-nation trip meant to strengthen cooperation in sectors like defence, trade and investment, energy as well as people-to-people exchanges.
As a special gesture, Mr. Modi was received by Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah at the airport. He visited the iconic Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque here and also inaugurated the new chancery premises of the High Commission of India. At both places, he interacted with the Indian diaspora.
