Recently, the Prime Minister visited Brunei Darussalam.

Significance of PM Brunei Visit

• First Visit: This would mark the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei
  • In October 2013, PM Manmohan Singh visited Brunei to attend the 11th ASEAN-India Summit.
• Economic Potential: Brunei is crude oil and natural gas dependent.
  • It is the fourth largest oil producer in Southeast Asia and the ninth largest exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. 

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• Relationship with ASEAN : The Prime Minister’s visit aims to strengthen these relationships and expand India’s engagement with the broader ASEAN region
• China+1 strategy: India is looking at capitalising on Brunei’s potential to tap into its China+1 strategy. 
  • “China +1” strategy is an approach adopted by companies and countries that have been heavily reliant on China for manufacturing and supply chain operations. 
    • The idea behind this strategy is to diversify operations by establishing manufacturing facilities or sourcing from other countries in addition to China.
• Strategic Importance: Both Brunei and Singapore are key partners in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. 
  • Act East Policy: The ‘Act East’ Policy was formulated as the next step to the ‘Look East’ Policy which originated in the 1990s. 
  • In 2014, the policy was revived as ‘Act East’, imploring greater action towards solidifying those ties. 
    • It is a diplomatic initiative to promote economic, strategic and cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region at different levels.
  • South China Sea: India has vital stakes in the South China Sea, as almost 55 per cent of its trade passes through the disputed waters.
• Countering China: While China’s economic stature gives it much heft in the region, allowing it to fund several projects and give loans to other countries, it has also irked others over issues like its conduct in the South China Sea. 
  • India can thus provide a counter to Chinese influence in the region with these partners

Key Highlights Of The Visit

• Inauguration of Chancery: PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan.
  • The chancery complex embodies a profound sense of Indianness: The traditional motifs and lush tree plantations are integrated into it
• Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque: A visit to Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Bandar Seri Begawan, as a part of his historic visit to the nation
  • The mosque has a fusion of architecture from the Mughal era and the Italian Renaissance period.
  • The mosque is named after Omar Ali Saifuddien III, the 28th Sultan of Brunei.
• Defense Cooperation: A Joint Working Group will be established to enhance defense ties between India and Brunei.
• Other Issues:  Discussions for enhancing cooperation on a wide range of issues including connectivity, trade and investment, energy including renewables, space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals, culture, tourism, youth etc.
• ISRO TTC Station: India expressed appreciation to Brunei Darussalam for continuing to host the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Telemetry Tracking and Telecommand (TTC) Station
  • ISRO’s Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Station was established in 2000 in Brunei. 

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