Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Brunei on September 4, 2024, marked a significant moment in India’s foreign policy, particularly in the context of its stance on regional security and development. During his visit, PM Modi made a pointed statement that India supports a “policy of development, and not expansionism,” a remark widely interpreted as a subtle yet clear reference to China’s aggressive policies in the Indo-Pacific region. This visit also saw the elevation of India-Brunei relations to an “enhanced partnership,” signifying a deepening of ties between the two nations in areas such as defense, trade, and investment.
PM Modi’s statement resonates with India’s broader geopolitical stance, especially in light of China’s increasingly assertive behavior in the South China Sea and along its borders with neighboring countries, including India. By emphasizing development over expansionism, Modi underscored India’s commitment to a rules-based international order and peaceful coexistence, contrasting sharply with China’s expansionist tendencies, which have caused tensions with several countries in Asia.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Brunei was strategically important, coming at a time when the Indo-Pacific region is witnessing growing geopolitical competition. Brunei, a small but strategically located Southeast Asian nation, has been a key player in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has a vested interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region, particularly concerning the South China Sea disputes. India’s relationship with Brunei, therefore, plays a crucial role in its broader Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to counterbalance China’s influence and ensure freedom of navigation in the region’s critical sea lanes.
During the visit, Modi held comprehensive discussions with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Brunei’s long-serving monarch, covering a wide range of issues that included defense cooperation, trade, and investment. The elevation of bilateral ties to an “enhanced partnership” reflects the mutual recognition of the need to strengthen collaboration in these key areas.
In the realm of defense, India and Brunei have historically maintained a cordial relationship, but this visit signaled a move towards deeper cooperation. This could involve increased military exchanges, joint exercises, and collaboration in areas such as maritime security and counterterrorism. Given Brunei’s strategic location and its claims in the South China Sea, closer defense ties with India could provide Brunei with a valuable partner in ensuring its security and sovereignty.
Trade and investment were also high on the agenda. India and Brunei have shared economic interests, particularly in the energy sector, as Brunei is a major exporter of oil and gas. Strengthening trade ties could lead to more Indian investment in Brunei’s energy sector and greater Bruneian participation in India’s growing economy. Moreover, the discussions likely explored opportunities for diversifying trade, including in sectors like technology, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure.
A key outcome of the visit was the reaffirmation of both countries’ commitment to “freedom of navigation” in the region. This principle is crucial for the free flow of trade and resources through the South China Sea, a region that sees a significant portion of global maritime traffic. By standing together on this issue, India and Brunei sent a strong message in support of international law and the rights of nations to navigate freely in international waters, countering China’s claims over vast swathes of the South China Sea.
PM Modi’s visit to Brunei and his statements there align with India’s broader vision of the Indo-Pacific as a region of peace, stability, and shared prosperity. This vision contrasts with the expansionist policies of certain nations that seek to alter the status quo through coercion and force. By promoting a policy of development and partnerships based on mutual respect, India positions itself as a responsible regional power committed to a multipolar world order.
In conclusion, Modi’s visit to Brunei was a significant step in reinforcing India’s commitment to a development-oriented foreign policy, while also subtly challenging the expansionist policies that threaten regional stability. The enhanced partnership between India and Brunei is likely to contribute to greater peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, benefiting not only the two nations but the broader international community as well.