India and Brunei have taken a significant step towards strengthening their defence ties with the inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi. The meeting, co-chaired by India’s Ministry of Defence Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Brunei’s Ministry of Defence Deputy Permanent Secretary Poh Kui Choon, marked the signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the establishment of the JWG.
The JWG serves as a platform to review ongoing defence engagements and explore new avenues for cooperation. Key areas discussed during the meeting included expanding military-to-military exchanges and joint training, maritime security collaboration with a focus on the safety of sea lanes, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, capacity building, and opportunities for defence industry collaboration and technology cooperation.
Both nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. “Both sides welcomed the growing momentum in the defence partnership and agreed to implement a structured roadmap for cooperation under the JWG mechanism,” the government of India said in a press release.
The signing of the ToR was described by the Indian government as the beginning of a new era in bilateral defence cooperation. This development underscores the importance both nations place on enhancing their defence capabilities and fostering a collaborative approach to regional security challenges.
Poh Kui Choon’s visit to the Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSU) Bhawan, recently inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, further highlighted India’s commitment to showcasing its defence manufacturing capabilities. The DPSU Bhawan serves as a central hub for all 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings, fostering collaboration, innovation, and global engagement.
This inaugural meeting and the establishment of the JWG on Defence Cooperation signify a strategic alignment between India and Brunei. It sets the stage for deeper defence ties, enhanced maritime security, and collaborative efforts in defence technology and industry. As both nations navigate the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region, this partnership is poised to play a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and promoting a rules-based international order.