The inaugural meeting of the India-Brunei Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation, held in New Delhi on December 09, 2025, marks a significant stride in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. This meeting, co-chaired by Joint Secretary of India’s Ministry of Defence, Shri Amitabh Prasad, and Deputy Permanent Secretary of Brunei’s Ministry of Defence, Ms Poh Kui Choon, set the stage for a deeper defence partnership.
The discussions spanned several critical areas, including the expansion of military-to-military exchanges and joint training initiatives. Both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing maritime security, particularly focusing on the safety of sea lanes, a concern that resonates deeply in the Indo-Pacific region. Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) emerged as another key area of collaboration, reflecting a shared commitment to regional stability and collective security.
Capacity building and opportunities for defence industry collaboration were also high on the agenda. The meeting explored avenues for technology cooperation, which could potentially bolster the defence capabilities of both nations. Prior to the discussions, the co-chairs signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the establishment of the JWG on defence cooperation, marking the formal inception of this strategic platform.
Shri Amitabh Prasad highlighted the significance of the ToR signing, stating, “The establishment of the JWG on defence cooperation is a testament to our shared commitment to peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.” This sentiment was echoed by Ms Poh Kui Choon, who underscored the importance of the JWG as a constructive platform to review ongoing defence engagements and explore new avenues for cooperation.
The visiting Deputy Permanent Secretary also had the opportunity to call on Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. This meeting, part of her two-day visit, underscored the high-level engagement and mutual interest in strengthening defence ties. Additionally, Ms Poh Kui Choon visited the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) Bhawan, a newly inaugurated state-of-the-art facility. This visit provided her with a firsthand look at India’s defence manufacturing capabilities and the collaborative spirit fostered within the DPSU ecosystem.
The JWG serves as a structured mechanism to implement a roadmap for cooperation, ensuring that both nations can capitalise on their defence partnership. The agreement to review and enhance ongoing engagements reflects a proactive approach to bilateral defence relations.
The inaugural meeting of the India-Brunei JWG on Defence Cooperation is more than a diplomatic formality; it is a strategic move that could reshape defence collaboration in the Indo-Pacific. By focusing on maritime security, joint training, and defence industry cooperation, both nations are laying the groundwork for a more secure and stable region. The signing of the ToR and the high-level engagements during the visit signal a new era of defence cooperation, one that could set a precedent for other bilateral relationships in the region. As the JWG mechanism gains momentum, it will be interesting to see how this partnership evolves and the tangible outcomes it produces for both India and Brunei.