India Brunei defence JWG convened for the first time in New Delhi on 9 December 2025. The meeting co-chaired by Amitabh Prasad and Poh Kui Choon signed the Terms of Reference. Discussions covered military exchanges, joint training, and humanitarian aid. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. The platform reviews ongoing ties and charts new paths. This step builds on 40 years of diplomatic relations.
India Brunei defence JWG advances South Asia’s strategic outreach to ASEAN, countering maritime threats in shared sea lanes. Brunei’s position in Borneo enhances India’s Act East policy, fostering stability from the Strait of Malacca to the Andaman Sea. Enhanced cooperation could streamline disaster responses across the Bay of Bengal, benefiting neighbours like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Industry links tap Brunei’s oil wealth for joint ventures, spurring technology transfers and job creation in defense manufacturing hubs.
India Brunei Defence Cooperation: Exchanges and Training in the Spotlight
India-Brunei defence cooperation gained structure with the launch of the JWG. The meeting expanded military-to-military exchanges. Joint training programmes feature prominently. Capacity building initiatives target Brunei’s forces. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations form a core pillar.
The Terms of Reference signing preceded deliberations. It establishes the JWG as an institutional mechanism. Both delegations noted rising momentum in ties. They agreed to a structured roadmap. This framework assesses initiatives and spots collaboration gaps.
Poh Kui Choon, Brunei’s Deputy Permanent Secretary, met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Discussions traced the trajectory of bilateral relations. She explored future pathways. The visit underscores deepening engagement.
India’s Defence Public Sector Undertakings hub hosted Choon. The DPSU Bhawan, inaugurated recently, unites 16 entities. It promotes innovation and global showcases. Choon toured facilities, eyeing partnerships.
Historical pacts underpin progress. The 2016 MoU on Defence Cooperation was renewed in 2021 for a five-year term. Virtual meetings in 2021 laid the groundwork for future success. A 16-member delegation from the National Defence College visited Brunei in September 2025.
India ASEAN Maritime Security: Sea Lanes and HADR Focus
India-ASEAN maritime security emerged as a priority in the India-Brunei defence JWG. Discussions emphasised sea lane safety. The Indo-Pacific’s rules-based order drew reaffirmation. Both nations share interests in open navigation.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief cooperation intensifies. Joint exercises simulate responses to cyclones and quakes. Capacity building aids Brunei’s coast guard. India’s experience in regional HADR operations informs exchanges.
The September 2024 joint statement from PM Modi’s visit to Brunei highlighted defense and maritime ties. It called for regular naval and coast guard visits. Training programmes and ship calls feature. This aligns with broader ASEAN engagements.
India’s SAGAR vision complements Brunei’s security outlook. Sea lane protection counters non-traditional threats, such as piracy. The Malacca Strait, vital for 80 per cent of India’s oil imports, benefits from joint patrols.
Environmental challenges drive HADR focus. Recent cyclones in the Bay of Bengal tested responses. Shared drills enhance interoperability.
Brunei Defence Industry Partnership: Tech and Opportunities Explored
Brunei’s defence industry partnership opportunities were discussed during the meeting. Talks identified collaboration avenues. Technology cooperation targets joint development. India’s manufacturing ecosystem appeals to Brunei.
The DPSU Bhawan visit highlighted potential. It fosters innovation among undertakings. Global exports from India reached USD 2.6 billion in the fiscal year 2024-25. Brunei eyes co-production in electronics and radars.
Capacity building extends to technical training. Brunei’s forces seek Indian expertise in maintenance. Reciprocal exchanges build skills.
The 2016 MoU enables such ties. Renewals ensure continuity. Industry forums could follow JWG reviews.
South East Asia’s defense market grows at 5 percent annually. Brunei’s diversification from oil aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar push. Joint ventures could yield surveillance systems for shared waters.
Background: From Diplomacy to Defence Ties
India’s defence cooperation with Brunei dates back to 1984, when diplomatic ties were established. The 2016 MoU formalised engagements. PM Modi’s 2024 visit elevated the status to Enhanced Partnership. The joint statement pledged deeper maritime and defence links.
Exchanges include port calls by INS Satpura in 2018. Training slots for Bruneians in Indian academies are available every year. The September 2025 NDC visit fostered strategic dialogue.
ASEAN centrality guides India’s approach. The 2022 Delhi Declaration reaffirmed commitments. Brunei’s 2021 ASEAN chairmanship saw joint initiatives.
Economic bonds support defence. Bilateral trade hit USD 400 million in 2024. Energy deals with Brunei Shell bolster trust.
What’s Next: Roadmap Implementation and Follow-Ups
The JWG schedules annual reviews. Next meet eyes 2026 in Bandar Seri Begawan. Joint exercises plan for mid-2026. Industry delegations are expected to exchange visits by Q2 2026.
Maritime dialogues integrate with ASEAN forums. HADR simulations test the roadmap. India Brunei defence JWG heralds sustained strategic synergy.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 10th, 2025
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