India, Bruni to widen and deepen partnership

India and Bruni have decided to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and deepen partnership in all areas of mutual interest. This was announced in a joint statement by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sultan and Prime Minister of Bruni Hassan al Bolkiah on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Modi was in the Bruni capital of Darussalam on a state visit on the invitation of the Bruni Sultan.

The two leaders held discussions on expanding partnership in various areas of mutual interest, including defence, connectivity, trade and investment, energy (including renewables), space, ICT, health and pharmaceuticals.

The two leaders also discussed areas like education and capacity building, culture, tourism, youth and people-to-people exchanges, as well as regional and international issues of mutual interest.

India and Bruni also decided on closer and regular interaction and exchange of ideas through existing mechanisms, including foreign office consultations and joint working groups, on issues of mutual interest.

Besides, the two leaders agreed on the need to further expand bilateral trade and economic ties, by better utilising key platforms such as the Joint Trade Committee (JTC) and other bilateral, regional, and multilateral forums.

The two countries will leverage their respective strengths in areas such as technology, finance, manufacturing and processing to explore mutually beneficial cooperation.

Both leaders also agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture and food supply chain through sharing of knowledge and best practices.

The two countries will also enhance cooperation in defence and maritime areas through regular exchanges of visits, training programmes and joint exercises.

Meanwhile, a planned direct flight between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai, will improve connectivity and people-to-people linkages between the two countries.