BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Imparting a strategic dimension to India’s ties with the energy-rich Southeast Asian nation, India and Brunei have signed a defence cooperation pact that includes intensification of joint military exercises and forging cooperation between the defence industries of the two countries. The defence pact was signed after wide-ranging talks between India’s Vice-President Hamid Ansari and Brunei’s Crown Prince in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei on February 2. The pact signed between India and Brunei would enhance defence cooperation in various fields. India and Brunei already have a strong cooperation in defence in the form of naval ship visits, training of senior military officers in Staff colleges and exchange of experience. The India-Brunei defence framework agreement aims to institutionalize this cooperation. The two countries have identified areas for bilateral cooperation that include:
- Exchange of visits at different levels.
- Exchange of experience, information, training, trainers, etc.
- Conduct of joint military exercises, seminars discussions.
- Cooperation between the defence industries.
Brunei is home to more than 10,000 Indian community, with Indian professionals, specially teachers and doctors carving a special place in their adopted homeland with their hard work and commitment to excellence.
