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India and Brunei Forge New Defence Pact: What It Means for Indo-Pacific Security

India and Brunei have taken a major step to deepen their defence partnership. They just held the first meeting of a new Joint Working Group in New Delhi. The talks covered everything from joint military training to keeping sea lanes safe. This new formal agreement sets up a structured way for the two countries to work together on security in the region.

Key Points: India Brunei Defence Cooperation Joint Working Group Meeting

  • Talks focused on expanding military exchanges and joint training programs between both nations
  • Strengthening maritime security cooperation, especially for sea lane safety and disaster relief
  • Identifying new opportunities for defence industry partnerships and technology sharing
  • Both sides reaffirmed a shared commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific
2 min read

India, Brunei hold inaugural Joint Working Group meeting to boost defence cooperation

India and Brunei hold inaugural Joint Working Group meeting to boost defence ties, focusing on maritime security, joint training, and industry partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

"The signing of the ToR marks the start of a coordinated and institutionalised phase of defence engagement. - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, December 10

The inaugural meeting of the India-Brunei Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation was held in New Delhi, marking a key step in advancing defence engagement between the two countries.

The Ministry of Defence said the talks centred on expanding military-to-military exchanges and joint training, strengthening maritime security cooperation with a focus on sea lane safety and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), enhancing capacity-building initiatives, and identifying opportunities for industry partnerships and technology cooperation.

The discussions laid the foundation for a more structured defence partnership. The meeting was co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, and Poh Kui Choon, Deputy Permanent Secretary in Brunei's Ministry of Defence.

Before the deliberations began, both sides signed the Terms of Reference (ToR), formally establishing the JWG on Defence Cooperation.

According to the Ministry, the signing of the ToR marks the start of a coordinated and institutionalised phase of defence engagement.

The JWG will function as the official platform to assess ongoing initiatives and identify new areas of collaboration.

Both delegations noted the increasing momentum in defence cooperation and agreed to pursue a structured roadmap under the JWG mechanism.

They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

During her two-day visit, Choon also met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, adding a diplomatic dimension to the technical discussions held under the JWG.

She later visited the newly inaugurated DPSU Bhawan, a central facility showcasing the capabilities of all 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings and aimed at strengthening collaboration and innovation in India's defence manufacturing ecosystem.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see focus on HADR and capacity building. India has proven expertise in disaster relief. Sharing this with friendly nations builds goodwill and showcases our soft power. Hope this leads to tangible joint exercises soon.
R
Rohit P
Industry partnerships and tech cooperation is the key phrase here! Our DPSUs and private defence companies need more export opportunities. Brunei could be a good market for our patrol vessels or surveillance tech. Make in India for the world!
S
Sarah B
While institutionalising defence ties is positive, I hope the "structured roadmap" includes clear, time-bound goals. Sometimes these working groups meet, issue statements, but the pace of actual cooperation remains slow. Let's hope for swift implementation.
V
Vikram M
Another step towards a secure Indo-Pacific. Brunei may be small, but its location is crucial. Cooperating on sea lane safety protects vital trade routes for both our economies. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
The visit to DPSU Bhawan is smart diplomacy. Showcasing our defence manufacturing ecosystem firsthand can build confidence. Hope they discussed potential joint ventures, not just buyer-seller relationships.

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