July 26, 2023
2 mins read

India, Brunei review entire gamut of bilateral ties

It was also agreed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024 and strengthen high-level exchanges. The two sides will also conclude at an early date, the MoUs under discussion…reports Asian Lite News

The 8th Foreign Office Consultations between India and Brunei were held in Bandar Seri Begawan here on Tuesday, informed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East), MEA, and Penigran Norhashimah binti Pengiran Mohd Hassan, Permanent Secretary, MoFA, Brunei Darussalam, co-chaired the meeting.

“8th India-Brunei Foreign Office Consultations led by Secretary East Saurabh Kumar and Permanent Secretary Penigran Norhashimah, reviewed bilateral ties in trade/ commerce/investments/defence/ICT/ agri/health/pharma/maritime; agreed to celebrate 40th diplomatic anniversary in 2024,” tweeted India in Brunei.

The two sides reviewed their bilateral relations and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, including in trade, commerce, investments, defence and space. They also agreed to explore collaborations in ICT, agriculture, health & pharma, maritime, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Views were also exchanged on regional and international issues of mutual interest, as per an official release.

It was also agreed to celebrate the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2024 and strengthen high-level exchanges. The two sides will also conclude at an early date, the MoUs under discussion.

Secretary (East) also called on Pengiran Shamhary, Minister of Transport and Info-Communications, Amin Liew, Minister at PMO and Second Minister of Finance & Economy, and Haji Erywan, Minister of Foreign Affairs II.

The release added that the next round of consultations will be held at mutually convenient dates in New Delhi.

Bilateral relations between the countries were established on 10 May 1984. His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah made a state visit to India in September 1992. Since the discovery of oil in Brunei in 1929, a number of Indians migrated to Brunei to work in the oil and allied services sectors; later, many arrived as teachers, with some of them inter-marrying with local Bruneian peoples.

Five memorandums of understanding were signed by both countries in May 2008, on issues such as Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPA), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), culture, trade and space. The main export of Brunei to India is crude oil, while India has mainly exported its manpower to Brunei, both professionals and semi-skilled workers.

ALSO READ-China resuming 15-day visa-free entry for Singapore, Brunei

Previous Story

Japan’s FM due in India this week to bolster ties

Next Story

Unmissable week of captivating OTT contents

Latest from -Top News

Harvard sues Trump over foreign students ban

Harvard University has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration after being barred from enrolling international students, marking its second legal challenge in a month against what it describes as politically

Pakistan may face stricter IMF terms

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will undertake its next funding review for Pakistan in the second half of 2025, with 11 new conditions now attached to the continuation of its Extended Fund

Indian diaspora in Japan backs Operation Sindoor

Members of the Indian diaspora in Japan have strongly endorsed Operation Sindoor, India’s targeted military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and

WHO adopts Global Pandemic Agreement

The agreement seeks to boost international coordination and ensure equitable access to life-saving tools during future pandemics, while reaffirming respect for national sovereignty in public health decisions In a move aimed at
Go toTop

Don't Miss

FM leads delegation at UK-India economic dialogue

The UK delegation included Governor of the Bank of England,

Indian firms rethinking content supply chains

About 43 per cent of senior APAC executives say they