Indian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Alok Amitabh Dimri said 2024 has been a historic year in Brunei-India bilateral relations, including the first official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brunei Darussalam in September.
During the visit, bilateral ties were evaluated by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and the Indian prime minister with both leaders laying down the blueprint for future cooperation, he said.
The high-level visit commemorated the 40th anniversary of Brunei’s independence and the establishment of India-Brunei diplomatic ties, marked by a number of cultural and community events throughout the year.
“Bilateral ties were elevated to the level of an enhanced partnership during the visit. His Majesty and Prime Minister Modi concurred to impart fresh impetus to strengthen bilateral exchanges including in the fields of trade, technology, commerce, finance, education, agriculture, defence and youth.”
The envoy said Brunei’s voice has been one for peace, moderation, development and well-being and has played a meaningful role in shaping ASEAN and Southeast Asia’s agenda, pragmatically and futuristically. India and Brunei will further enhance cooperation and exchanges at the ASEAN Forum.
Besides high level exchanges, India-Brunei business ties continue to strive for enhanced partnerships with food, automotive, machinery and meat being the chief trading commodities. India continues to rely on Bruneian energy supplies for a rapidly expanding Indian domestic sector. Both sides have identified agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), S&T, heath, defence and education as areas for potential cooperation while digitalisation, e-commerce and e-governance are being accorded priority.
Bruneian youth and officials have regularly attended training and capacity building programmes under the Indian government’s ITEC platform. The resumed air-connectivity between Brunei and India will further boost travel and interchanges between the peoples and traders and a facilitative visa-regime will be the next right step in this direction, the high commissioner said.
The reception, in celebration of the 76th Republic Day of India, was hosted by the High Commission of India in Brunei Darussalam at a hotel in Gadong on Sunday.
Following the speech, the high commissioner invited Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman and spouse Pengiran Datin Hajah Norzana binti Pengiran Haji Rosli, the guests of honour, for the ceremonial cake cutting ceremony.
The event also saw several cultural performances. – Lyna Mohamad
