Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to Brunei: Significance for India and Key Facts About the Country

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Brunei on September 3 and 4 at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. This marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Brunei and celebrates 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

About Brunei

Brunei is a small nation in Southeast Asia, located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo, bordered by the South China Sea to the north and the Malaysian state of Sarawak on its other sides. A former British protectorate since 1888, Brunei did not join Malaysia when it was formed in 1963 and instead gained independence in 1984. It is a member of the Commonwealth and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Brunei has a population of around 460,000, with nearly two-thirds classified as Malay. The official language is Malay, but English is also widely spoken. The country is predominantly Sunni Muslim, with other religions practiced among the Chinese and indigenous communities.

Brunei is known for its wealth, largely due to its oil and gas resources. The Sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah, is one of the world’s richest individuals, with a significant influence over the country. He has ruled since 1968 and is an absolute monarch. Brunei is also notable for implementing Sharia law in 2014, becoming the first country in East Asia to do so.

India-Brunei Relations

India and Brunei established diplomatic relations in 1984, the same year Brunei gained independence. The Indian community in Brunei, which numbers around 14,500, has been present since the 1930s. Many Indians in Brunei work in sectors such as oil and gas, healthcare, education, and retail.

Brunei is a key partner in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and plays a strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries have collaborated on various fronts, including defense, trade, energy, and cultural exchanges. Brunei also served as the Country Coordinator for India in ASEAN from 2012 to 2015, helping to strengthen India-ASEAN relations.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit aims to further enhance cooperation between India and Brunei across multiple sectors, including trade, defense, space technology, health, and cultural exchange.