PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Brunei: A New Chapter in India–Brunei Relations

Since the launch of the Look East Policy in 1992, India has progressively deepened its engagement with Southeast Asia, making the region central to its foreign policy. Among the nations in this strategic landscape, Brunei Darussalam stands out as a small yet geopolitically significant player in India's Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. Small states play a vital role in international relations, often serving as bridge-builders, consensus-makers, and regional stabilizers despite their limited territorial and military capacities. Through strategic diplomacy, active participation in multilateral organizations, and leveraging geographic advantages, they exert influence beyond their size. India's relationship with Brunei is rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests spanning bilateral and multilateral cooperation. As an active ASEAN member, Brunei contributes to India's regional engagement by supporting diplomatic, economic, and security initiatives. Recognizing this strategic importance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Brunei from 3rd to 4th September 2024, the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM to the country --highlighting Brunei's role in India's outreach to maritime neighbours and its deep-rooted cultural connections with India. In the aftermath of this visit, the potential for a strengthened, multifaceted partnership between India and Brunei has become more tangible, offering new avenues for collaboration. This analysis examines the key components, challenges, and opportunities shaping India-Brunei relations, emphasizing the significance of PM Modi's visit in advancing bilateral cooperation.