India is for development, not expansionism: PM in Brunei

Times News NetworkNew Delhi: India and Brunei agreed to boost cooperation in defence, space, trade and investment, food security and in several other areas, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah during his two-day visit to the southeast Asian country.Modi told the Sultan that India follows a policy of development and not expansionism, as he underlined India’s support for freedom of navigation and overflight under international laws like UNCLOS, while also calling for finalisation of the code of conduct under discussion for the region.“Brunei is an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. India has always given priority to Asean Centrality and will continue to do so,” said Modi, announcing that the two sides had decided to commemorate relations as ‘Enhanced Partnership’.Brunei is among the Asean countries that have overlapping maritime claims with China in South China Sea, although it has been largely non-confrontational about it. “Both leaders reiterated their commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, as well as respecting freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce, consistent with international law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982,” said a joint statement.The leaders emphasised the significance of adherence to the UN Charter, international law and rules-based international system for ensuring peace and development. They acknowledged the importance of enhancing defence and maritime cooperation including through regular exchanges of visits, training programmes, joint exercises and visits of naval and coast guard ships between both countries.The two countries signed an MoU on cooperation in the operation of telemetry, tracking and telecommand station for satellite and launch vehicles, with Modi emphasising cooperation in satellite development, remote sensing and training.“Recognising terrorism and transnational organised crime linkages, both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in this regard. Both sides agreed to work together at the UN and other multilateral fora to combat terrorism,” said the joint statement.“We had comprehensive talks on various aspects of our ties to give a strategic direction to our partnership. We have decided to strengthen our cooperation in fintech and cybersecurity along with agri-industry, pharmaceutical and health sectors. Under energy sector, we discussed the potential for long-term cooperation in LNG,” said Modi.Both leaders recognised the importance of food security and agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture , according to the joint statement. They welcomed the planned direct flight connectivity between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai which will foster stronger people-to-people linkages and facilitate trade and tourism.