Modi’s Landmark Visit to Brunei: Strengthening Defence and Strategic Ties Amid Indo-Pacific Tensions

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Govt & Politics; Page: 05)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Bilateral Relations

Context:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Brunei’s capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, to strengthen bilateral ties amid regional tensions due to China’s aggressive posture in the Indo-Pacific. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, highlighting its significance in India’s “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific strategy.

 Analysis of News:   

          

About Brunei Darussalam (Capital: Bandar Seri Begawan)

Political Features

• Location: Country in Southeast Asia consisting of two unconnected parts, situated on northern coast of island of Borneo.
• Border: Apart from northern coastline on South China Sea, it is completely surrounded by Malaysian state of Sarawak.
• It is a member of Commonwealth and ASEAN.

Geographical Features

• Landforms: Narrow coastal plain in north & rugged hills in south.
• Highest point: Pagon Peak
• Major rivers: Belait, Tutong, and Brunei, Pandaruan etc.
• Climate: Equatorial climate influenced by monsoon systems

  Key Areas of Discussion

• Defence Collaboration: Talks included the potential establishment of a joint working group on defence cooperation. The existing defence relationship, governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2016 and renewed in 2021, covers regular high-level exchanges, naval visits, training, joint exercises, and participation in each other’s exhibitions.
• Commercial and Cultural Ties: Modi’s visit aims to enhance commercial and cultural relations, reflecting the historical ties between the two nations. The Indian diaspora in Brunei, particularly in sectors like healthcare and education, plays a significant role in strengthening these bonds.

Strategic Importance of Brunei

• Role in Act East Policy: Brunei is a key partner in India’s “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific vision, particularly as India marks a decade of the “Act East” policy. Brunei’s strategic location and its role in the South China Sea disputes make it a vital ally for India in countering China’s influence in the region.
• Space and Defence Cooperation: Brunei has supported India’s space program, hosting a Telemetry, Tracking, and Command station since 2000. This collaboration extends to defence, with regular naval exchanges and joint exercises underscoring the strategic partnership.

Historical Context

• Diplomatic Relations: The visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the world’s longest-reigning monarch, has visited India four times, emphasizing the longstanding and warm relationship between the two nations.

Conclusion

• Modi’s visit to Brunei is a strategic move to deepen ties in defence, commerce, and culture amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
• The visit not only strengthens bilateral relations but also reinforces India’s commitment to its “Act East” policy and its broader Indo-Pacific strategy.

What is Act East Policy?

The ‘Act East Policy’ announced in November, 2014 is the upgrade of the “Look East Policy”. It is a diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region at different levels. It involves intensive and continuous engagement with Southeast Asian countries in the field of connectivity, trade, culture, defence and people-to-people-contact at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. Aim: To promote economic cooperation, cultural ties and developing a strategic relationship with countries in Indo-pacific region with a proactive and pragmatic approach and thereby improving the economic development of the North Eastern Region (NER) which is a gateway to the South East Asia Region.

Practice Question:  Discuss the strategic importance of Brunei in India’s “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific vision. How can deepening defence and cultural ties with Brunei help India counter China’s influence in the region? (250 words/15 m)