Brunei’s voice in ASEAN as a proponent of moderation, pragmatism, and peace has further solidified its standing in the international community
India and Brunei continue to share warm and friendly relations, a bond that has deepened over the years. Indian High Commissioner to Brunei, Alok Amitabh Dimri, emphasized this connection during an interview on September 2, highlighting the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in Brunei. Despite Brunei’s small size and economy, Indian communities have firmly established themselves within the nation.
High Commissioner Dimri pointed out that Brunei, with a population of just 400,000, hosts a diverse Indian diaspora, including Tamilians, Malayalis, Sindhis, Punjabis, Marathas, and Gujaratis. These communities have made remarkable inroads into Brunei’s society and economy, contributing significantly to various sectors.
As India and Brunei continue to build on their longstanding relationship, these shared values and mutual respect for each other’s unique characteristics will likely drive further cooperation in various fields
Reflecting on the broader context of India-Brunei relations, Dimri remarked, “Our exchanges have been deep. Despite Brunei’s small geography and economy, Indian traders, exports, and the diaspora have become deeply entrenched here.” He further underscored the importance of understanding the unique geography and demographics of Brunei, which, though modest, has not hindered the development of strong bilateral ties.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Brunei marks a significant milestone, as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. This historic visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, is expected to include key meetings, the issuance of a joint statement, and the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). One of the critical areas of cooperation highlighted by Dimri is India’s space collaboration with Brunei, which supports the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in its key launches.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to meet with the royal family of Brunei. The High Commissioner praised Brunei’s commitment to environmental protection, noting the country’s role in preserving its unique ecology. Brunei, situated on the northern tip of Borneo Island, is home to some of the world’s most pristine rainforests, comparable to the Amazon. Dimri commended Brunei’s strict environmental norms and its dedication to protecting rare species found only in this region.
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