This week we are going to look at India’s ties with its near neighbours to the East- ASEAN countries, and particularly his visits this week.

The visit was part of a number of outreaches to the region in Modi’s new term:

– Modi has visited Brunei and Singapore, was due to visit Thailand for the BIMSTEC Summit which was cancelled as the government there was dismissed. He will travel to Laos in October for the ASEAN-India summit and East Asia Summit.

-New Delhi has hosted the PM of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh and the PM of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in the past three months

-President Murmu travelled to Timor Leste on a visit to New Zealand and Fiji

In Brunei, the first bilateral visit by an Indian PM, Modi and the Sultan of Brunei discussed a number of issues, including:

1. Strategic issues and enhancing defence cooperation. At present they are not strategic partners but do participate in military exercises and are working on a Joint working group to institutionalise the relationship. More importantly, Modi took aim at China given its disputes in the South China Sea with Brueni and other ASEAN partners.

2. An MoU renewing space cooperation including research and training, also Brunei hosts at Telemetry Tracking Command Centre for ISRO

3. Increasing energy supplies from Brunei, which have dropped sharply as India has bumped up its intake of Russian oil. They discussed a long term contract for LNG

4. And Trade- where despite India’s trade with other ASEAN countries doubling in the past decade, trade with Brunei has actually declined- from hovering around US $500mn, it is down to about $200 million last year. In comparison, China-Brunei trade stands at about $3 billion.

Modi’s visit was a study in contrasts- given his next trip was to Singapore. PM Lawrence Wong was only sworn in a few months ago, compared to the Sultan of Brunei who is the world’s longest serving monarch- in power since 1967.

1. Singapore is India’s biggest trade partner in the ASEAN grouping with bilateral trade at about $35 billion, which has seen a 2.5 times increase since they signed the CECA agreement in 2005. About 9,000 Indian companies are registered in Singapore-

2. SINGAPORE is also India’s biggest source of FDI globally – cumulative $160 billion since 2000, although levels dropped a sharp 30% last year. More in an interview I did with Singapore FM Balakrishnan

3. India and Singapore have the strongest strategic partnership amongst ASEAN countries, highest number of military exchanges and exercises

4. The highlight of the visit was the signing of a Semiconductor Ecosystem partnership, along with MoUs on digital cooperation, health and skill development. Modi also visited Singapore’s AEM factory.

-Semiconductors are used in all electronic devices- crucial for India’s growth as a high-tech manufacturing hub

-Singapore produces 10% of semiconductors worldwide a $588 billion industry worldwide, and is a major player in IC design, packaging and wafer fabrication- an industry it has built up over 6 decades

-With land and labour issues, and US-China contestation, Singapore is looking to diversify its Semiconductor manufacturing and invest in other countries, at a time India is seeking semiconductor investment.

-The MoU says both sides seek resilient semiconductor supply chains, in a reference to de-risking US China rivalry for the region, including the US’s protectionist moves and China’s predatory practices.

What are the challenges for India in its outreach to the east?

 1. India has opted out of the ASEAN-led RCEP agreement in 2020, which has not just disappointed those countries, it has led to questions about India’s reliability in negotiations

2. India’s trade with ASEAN nations has grown to $120 billion last year, but ASEAN’s largest trading partner remains China with about $722 billion in bilateral trade and $440 billion with the US in 2022

3. Maritime connectivity to ASEAN countries is historic, but India remains hampered on land connectivity due to tensions in the North East and in Myanmar which connect India on the proposed tri-nation highway to South East Asia.

4. India has also taken a divergent position on engaging the Myanmar military junta post-Coup from ASEAN position, and invited its Minister to the BIMSTEC summit, which ASEAN doesn’t.

5. Even though the region hosts many US bases, ASEAN countries have adopted a more cautious approach on Chinese aggression against Taiwan, and on India’s participation in the Quad. New Delhi will have to coordinate its strategic position carefully if it means to stick to its motto of “ASEAN centrality” in the Indo-Pacific.

6. Communal tensions in India have been met with rising concerns in several ASEAN countries including Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia – that are also multicultural, multireligious and have large Indian diaspora.

WV Take: India’s ties with ASEAN countries date back more than 10 centuries, with engagement on trade, culture, religion, and people migrating there. India has made many restarts on its ASEAN engagement, from the Look East in the 1990s to Act East in 2015- but until it breaks the cycle of neglecting the region when other issues come up,it will be hard to sustain the obvious advantages of cooperation with them. Above all India could take a leaf from ASEAN success for groupings like SAARC and BIMSTEC.

WV Reading Recommendations:

1. THE ASEAN MIRACLE by Kishore Mahbubani, also Has the West Lost it and Living the Asian Century

2. East Of India, South Of China by Amitav Acharya

3. The Merlion And The Ashoka: Singapore-india Strategic Ties Edited by Anit Mukherjee

4. Thirty Years of ASEAN-India Relations: Towards Indo-Pacific Edited by Prabir De

5. Does ASEAN Matter?: A View from Within by Marty Natalegawa (Indonesian diplomat and former FM)

6. Chip War by Chris Miller

7. When the Chips Are Down by Pranay Kotasthane and Abhiram Manchi

 

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Delhi on Thursday after concluding his three-day visit to Singapore and Brunei.

PM Modi shared a video of his Singapore visit on X and stated, “My visit to Singapore has been a very fruitful one. It will certainly add vigour to bilateral ties and benefit the people of our nations. I thank the government and people of Singapore for their warmth.”

Earlier today, PM Modi and Singapore PM Lawrence Wong met at the Parliament House in Singapore.

The two leaders, along with their delegations, held the bilateral meeting. At their talks, both leaders reviewed the progress of India-Singapore bilateral relations. Following this, the two sides exchanged four MoUs in the areas of digital technology, semiconductors, skill development, and healthcare.

Prime Minister Modi invited PM Lawrence Wong to visit India, which he accepted. PM Modi also visited the semiconductor facility of AEM Holdings Ltd.

Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong accompanied PM Modi during his visit to the semiconductor facility. PM Modi invited Singapore’s semiconductor companies to participate in the SEMICON INDIA exhibition set to be held in Greater Noida from September 11-13.

“It was wonderful to interact with interns from Odisha’s World Skill Center who are visiting Singapore and interns from Singapore who have been to India as a part of the CII-Enterprise Singapore India Ready Talent Programme. I also met a team of Indian engineers working at AEM Holdings. Such cooperation is indeed special and celebrates human talent as well as innovation,” PM Modi stated after visiting the facility.

The Prime Minister also called on Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam earlier today and held talks that focused on key sectors including skill development, sustainability, technology, innovation, and connectivity. The talks between the two leaders focused on the full range of bilateral ties between India and Singapore.

PM Modi and PM Wong acknowledged India and Singapore’s shared history, long tradition of friendship based on trust and mutual respect, and extensive cooperation across a wide range of areas. They reviewed and expressed satisfaction over the progress in the bilateral relationship, in the areas of political, economic, security, technology, education, people-to-people and cultural links.

It is interesting to note that India and Singapore will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year. Against this backdrop, both Prime Ministers agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a higher level of a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’, to deepen and broaden bilateral cooperation.

Before his visit to Singapore, PM Modi was on an official visit to Brunei. PM Modi held “wide-ranging” talks with Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman in Bandar Seri Begawan. During their talks, both leaders discussed ways to further cement bilateral ties.

In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Delighted to meet His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Our talks were wide-ranging and included ways to further cement bilateral ties between our nations. We are going to further expand trade ties, commercial linkages and people-to-people exchanges.”

PM Modi inaugurated the new Chancery of the High Commission of India, in Brunei’s capital city Bandar Seri Begawan.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a historic state visit to Brunei, marking the the first ever bilateral trip by an Indian prime minister to the southeast Asian nation. After Brunei, PM Modi will visit Singapore as part of a two-nation tour.

Here are the top 10 updates from PM Modi’s two-nation state visit:

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the renowned Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei, during his two-day visit to the nation. His visit to Brunei is aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two countries.

PM Modi’s visit to the mosque, considered one of the most iconic structures in the region, came shortly after the inauguration of a new Chancery of the Indian High Commission.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei – the father of the current Sultan, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, and is considered as the Architect of Modern Brunei.

PM Modi also interacted with the local officials, scholars and members of the Indian community who had gathered in large numbers.

The new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei was launched by Prime Minister Modi to a rousing welcome by members of the Indian community. The new facility, which has come up at the Jalan Duta Diplomatic Enclave, is adjacent to the US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval were present on the occasion as the PM lit a lamp and unveiled a plaque at the launch.

After the launch, The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that “The chancery complex embodies a profound sense of Indianness, masterfully integrating traditional motifs and lush tree plantations. The use of elegant claddings and durable Kota stones further enhances its aesthetic appeal, harmoniously blending classic and contemporary elements. The design not only pays homage to India’s rich cultural heritage but also creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.”

PM Modi arrived at the Bandar Seri Begawan Airport Tuesday afternoon as he began his two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam – the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian PM to the southeast Asian nation – at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

The historic visit of the Prime Minister coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.

(Inputs from IANS)
 

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today visited the renowned Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Brunei, during his two-day visit to the nation. His visit to Brunei is aimed at bolstering bilateral ties between the two countries.

PM Modi’s visit to the mosque, considered one of the most iconic structures in the region, came shortly after the inauguration of a new Chancery of the Indian High Commission.

The Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque is named after the 28th Sultan of Brunei – the father of the current Sultan, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, and is considered as the Architect of Modern Brunei.

PM Modi also interacted with the local officials, scholars and members of the Indian community who had gathered in large numbers.

The new Chancery of the Indian High Commission in Brunei was launched by Prime Minister Modi to a rousing welcome by members of the Indian community. The new facility, which has come up at the Jalan Duta Diplomatic Enclave, is adjacent to the US Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval were present on the occasion as the PM lit a lamp and unveiled a plaque at the launch.

After the launch, The Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement that “The chancery complex embodies a profound sense of Indianness, masterfully integrating traditional motifs and lush tree plantations. The use of elegant claddings and durable Kota stones further enhances its aesthetic appeal, harmoniously blending classic and contemporary elements. The design not only pays homage to India’s rich cultural heritage but also creates a tranquil and inviting atmosphere.”

PM Modi arrived at the Bandar Seri Begawan Airport Tuesday afternoon as he began his two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam – the first-ever bilateral trip by an Indian PM to the southeast Asian nation – at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

The historic visit of the Prime Minister coincides with the 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.

(Inputs from IANS)
 

Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the Bandar Seri Begawan Airport this afternoon as he began a two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam – the first ever bilateral trip by an Indian PM to the southeast Asian nation – at the invitation of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

“As we celebrate the 40 years of our diplomatic relations, I look forward to my meetings with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and other esteemed members of the Royal family to advance our historical relationship to new heights,” said PM Modi in his departure statement ahead of his visit to Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

During his visit, the Prime Minister will engage in bilateral discussions focusing on exploring new areas for cooperation in multiple areas like defence, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health, capacity building, culture and vibrant people-to-people exchanges.

Last month, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar had met Erywan Pehin Yusof, Foreign Minister of Brunei on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Vientiane and jointly launched the logo celebrating 40 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Brunei Sultan met for the first time on the sidelines of 25th ASEAN Summit at Nay Pyi Taw in November 2014. They met once again during the 2017 East Asia Summit held in Manila.

In January 2018, the Brunei Sultan, along with the 10 ASEAN Heads of State and Government, visited India for the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit. The leaders were also ‘Guests of Honour’ at India’s 69th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2018.

In 2013, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited Brunei Darussalam to participate in the 11th ASEAN-India Summit and the 8th EAS Summit.

Crowned as the 29th Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in August 1968, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah undertook his first State Visit to India in September, 1992. His second State Visit to India came in May, 2008.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Brunei Darussalam government has been supportive of India’s ‘Look East’ and ‘Act East’ policies for expansion and deepening of cooperation with ASEAN.

“Brunei is an important partner for India’s Act East Policy and our vision for the Indo-Pacific, and as we mark a decade of our ‘Act East’ Policy this year, the visit assumes additional significance. Brunei has been our country coordinator in ASEAN from 2012 to 2015 and played a key role in our further engagements with ASEAN and continues to do so today,” Jaideep Mazumdar, MEA Secretary (East), said ahead of the PM’s landmark visit.

Indian naval and coast guard ships have also regularly visited Brunei and two Indian defence companies – Bharat Electronics Ltd and MKU Limited – participated in the Defence Industry Exposition organised by Brunei Armed Forces in June 2024 for the first time. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah visited the Indian stalls during the expo and appreciated the Indian companies’ participation.

There are currently around 14,500 Indians living in Brunei Darussalam out of the total population of about 450,500 with more than half of the Indian expatriates being semi and unskilled workers, who work in oil and gas industries construction, retail businesses, etc. There is also a substantial number of Indian doctors and teachers working in Brunei.

After Brunei, PM Modi will travel to Singapore – a country with which India is exploring enhanced cooperation in digital, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity and advanced manufacturing areas.

In his departure statement on Tuesday, PM Modi said that he is looking forward to meeting Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong besides the leaders of Singapore’s vibrant business community.

“I look forward to my discussions to deepen our Strategic Partnership with Singapore, particularly in new and emerging areas of advanced manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable development. Both countries are important partners in our Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific Vision. I am confident that my visits would further strengthen our partnership with Brunei, Singapore and the larger ASEAN region,” said Prime Minister Modi.

Last week, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw led the Indian delegation at the second India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable (ISMR) held in Singapore on Monday.

During their visit, the Indian ministerial delegation also jointly called on Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong who had led the Singapore delegation for the first ISMR held in New Delhi in September 2022.

“Glad that progress has been made on several fronts since our last meeting. And new ideas for cooperation are being pursued, including in advanced manufacturing and connectivity. These initiatives will pave the way for closer strategic cooperation and partnership between India and Singapore,” the Singapore PM said after his meeting with the visiting Indian ministers on Monday.
 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will become the first-ever Indian PM to visit Brunei when he travels to the country on September 3 and 4 for a bilateral visit. This is being seen as a significant step in bolstering ties between the two nations.

“PM Modi at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is scheduled to visit Brunei during September 3-4. This will be the first ever bilateral visit by an Indian PM to Brunei,” the Ministry of External Affairs said at the special briefing about the Prime Minister’s visit.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit coincides with 40th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.

PM Modi was earlier scheduled to attend the sixth summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) – scheduled to take place in Bangkok on September 3, 4 – which was postponed last week due to the formation of the new government in the country.

PM Modi’s visit to Brunei comes almost ten years after his first meeting with the Sultan of Hassanal Bolkiah in November 2014 on the sidelines of 25th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar. They met again during the 2017 East Asia Summit held in the Philippines.

In July, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar met his Brunei counterpart in Laos on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings. To celebrate the 40 years of diplomatic relations, the two also launched a logo together.

PM Modi’s visit will focus on enhancing trade ties, and bolster cooperation in the space and defence sectors. India already has multiple agreements with Brunei in the space sector and also has a telemetry station in the country. The PM’s visit will help strengthen cooperation in this regard, the MEA said.

India and Brunei also look to enhance ties in energy security in terms of crude oil and hydrocarbons.

Currently India imports $270 million worth of crude oil from Brunei. Brunei has also played a key role in bringing India closer to ASEAN being the Country Coordinator for India from 2012 till 2015. Brunei has been supportive of India’s ‘Act East Policy’.

On defence, the MEA said, “We are still in discussions with Brunei to set up a joint working group on defence.”

Indian naval and coast guard ships have regularly visited Brunei and two Indian defence companies – Bharat Electronics Ltd and MKU Limited – participated in the Defence Industry Exposition organised by Brunei Armed Forces in June 2024 for the first time. Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah visited the Indian stalls during the expo and appreciated the Indian companies’ participation.

As per the MEA, there are currently around 14,500 Indians living in Brunei Darussalam out of the total population of about 450,500 with more than half of the Indian expatriates being semi and unskilled workers, who work in oil and gas industries construction, retail businesses.