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Key Points

India and Brunei held talks to strengthen their partnership during the East Asia Summit in Penang. Both nations explored deeper cooperation under ASEAN and other frameworks. Secretary (East) P Kumaran also met officials from Cambodia and Australia to discuss regional collaboration. The EAS SOM serves as a platform for advancing diplomatic and economic ties in the Indo-Pacific.

Key Points: India Brunei Discuss Enhanced Partnership at EAS Meeting in Penang

  • India and Brunei review enhanced partnership
  • Discussions held on ASEAN cooperation
  • Meetings with Cambodia and Australia officials
  • EAS SOM focuses on regional collaboration
3 min read

India, Brunei discuss ways to further deepen partnership

India and Brunei explore deeper bilateral ties and ASEAN cooperation during EAS Senior Officials' Meeting in Malaysia.

"The two sides discussed ways to further deepen the Enhanced Partnership between India and Brunei bilaterally, as also cooperation under ASEAN and other frameworks. – Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson"

Penang, June 10

Secretary (East) P Kumaran met Permanent Secretary, Brunei Darussalam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hajah Johariah Binti Abdul Wahab, on the sidelines of East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting (EAS SOM) in Malaysia's Penang on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to further deepen the enhanced partnership between India and Brunei and cooperation under ASEAN and other frameworks.

In a post on X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran met Ms. Hajah Johariah Binti Abdul Wahab, Permanent Secretary, MoFA of Brunei Darussalam, on the margins of EAS SOM in Penang, Malaysia. The two sides discussed ways to further deepen the Enhanced Partnership between India and Brunei bilaterally, as also cooperation under ASEAN and other frameworks."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1932337878300061950

On Monday, Kumaran met Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group & Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, Australia, at the East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting in Penang, and discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

"Secretary (East) P. Kumaran met Ms. Michelle Chan, Deputy Secretary, South and Southeast Asia Group & Head of the Office of Southeast Asia, Australia on the margins of East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting at Penang, Malaysia. They discussed bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest," Jaiswal posted on X.

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1932041344685416862

P Kumaran also met Ambassador Kung Phoak, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, on the margins of East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting in Penang.

Jaiswal said that the officials discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation bilaterally and under the ASEAN framework.

In a statement shared on X, Jaiswal stated, "Secretary (East) P. Kumaran met Amb Kung Phoak, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia, on the margins of East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meeting in Penang, Malaysia. Underlining the close partnership between India and Cambodia, the two sides discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation bilaterally and under the ASEAN framework."

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1932040780824387929

EAS Senior Officials' Meetings (SOM) and meetings of EAS Ambassadors to ASEAN are held regularly to discuss emerging issues and to prepare for EAS ministerial and Leaders' meetings, and to take forward decisions by EAS leaders, according to Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade statement.

The EAS has 18 members - the 10 ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) along with Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see India strengthening ties with ASEAN nations! Brunei may be small but has strategic importance in Southeast Asia. Our Act East Policy is showing results. More trade and cultural exchanges will benefit both countries 🇮🇳🤝🇧🇳
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Priya M.
While these diplomatic meetings are important, I hope we're also focusing on getting concrete outcomes. Too often we hear about "discussions" but don't see actual benefits for common people. Would love to see more student exchange programs with Brunei!
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Amit S.
Brunei is a peaceful country with strong Islamic values but also respects diversity. India should explore halal food exports and Islamic finance collaborations. Could be win-win for both economies.
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Sunita R.
ASEAN partnerships are crucial to counterbalance China's influence in the region. Smart diplomacy by India! But we must ensure our agreements translate into real economic benefits - more jobs, better infrastructure, technology transfers.
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Vikram J.
Interesting development! Brunei has significant oil and gas reserves. Maybe we can work together on energy security and renewable tech. Also, their tourism sector could benefit from Indian visitors - direct flights would help!
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Neha P.
As someone who worked in Malaysia, I know how important these regional meetings are. But MEA should do better at communicating the actual outcomes to public. A simple infographic showing what was achieved would help common people understand the importance.

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