Brunei: PM Modi advocates for 'policy of development over expansionism'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his bilateral visit to Brunei on Wednesday, marking a significant step in enhancing relations between the two countries.

Modi's visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei, was characterised by a strong emphasis on development over expansionism, a comment widely interpreted as a subtle critique of China's territorial ambitions in the region.

In a banquet hosted by Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Modi articulated India's stance on regional geopolitics, stating, "We support the policy of development, and not expansionism," without directly naming any country. This statement comes amid ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) and East China Sea (ECS), where China's expansive claims have drawn criticism from several Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei.

The visit saw both nations elevate their bilateral relationship to an “enhanced partnership," with a focus on deepening cooperation across various sectors including defence, trade, and investment. Modi and Sultan Bolkiah engaged in extensive discussions, reflecting on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei, and underscoring their commitment to "freedom of navigation" in the region.