PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Brunei: A New Chapter in India–Brunei Relations

Susanta Kumar Parida and Anuradha Das
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Susanta Kumar Parida: Susanta Kumar Parida is currently working as a Lecturer and Head of the Department of Political Science at Lokanath Mohavidyalaya, Patkura, Kendrapara, under Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Anuradha Das: Anuradha Das is currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Marshaghai College, Marshaghai, Kendrapara, under Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs, 2025, vol. 81, issue 2, 196-209

Abstract: Since the launch of the Look East Policy in 1992, India has progressively deepened its engagement with Southeast Asia, making the region central to its foreign policy. Among the nations in this strategic landscape, Brunei Darussalam stands out as a small yet geopolitically significant player in India's Act East Policy and its broader Indo-Pacific vision. Small states play a vital role in international relations, often serving as bridge-builders, consensus-makers, and regional stabilizers despite their limited territorial and military capacities. Through strategic diplomacy, active participation in multilateral organizations, and leveraging geographic advantages, they exert influence beyond their size. India's relationship with Brunei is rooted in mutual respect, friendship, and shared interests spanning bilateral and multilateral cooperation. As an active ASEAN member, Brunei contributes to India's regional engagement by supporting diplomatic, economic, and security initiatives. Recognizing this strategic importance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic visit to Brunei from 3rd to 4th September 2024, the first-ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM to the country --highlighting Brunei's role in India's outreach to maritime neighbours and its deep-rooted cultural connections with India. In the aftermath of this visit, the potential for a strengthened, multifaceted partnership between India and Brunei has become more tangible, offering new avenues for collaboration. This analysis examines the key components, challenges, and opportunities shaping India-Brunei relations, emphasizing the significance of PM Modi's visit in advancing bilateral cooperation.

Keywords: Small States; Southeast Asia; ASEAN; Act East Policy; Indo-Pacific; South China Sea (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:indqtr:v:81:y:2025:i:2:p:196-209

DOI: 10.1177/09749284251328229

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