In response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a landmark diplomatic mission to Brunei and Singapore from September 3 to 5, 2024. This visit not only highlights India’s growing engagement with Southeast Asia but also underscores the strategic importance of the ‘Act East’ policy in the broader Indo-Pacific region.
First Leg
The visit to Brunei is particularly historic, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister will undertake a bilateral visit to the Sultanate. Scheduled for September 3-4, this trip coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei. As the nation celebrates this milestone, PM Modi’s visit will pave the way for deepening bilateral ties across a range of sectors including defence, trade, energy, space technology, healthcare, and cultural exchanges.
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Brunei’s strategic significance in India’s ‘Act East’ policy cannot be overstated. The tiny Southeast Asian nation plays a crucial role in India’s vision for a stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The visit is expected to enhance cooperation in areas such as maritime security and regional stability, reflecting India’s commitment to bolstering partnerships with its Southeast Asian neighbours. Discussions are likely to explore new avenues for collaboration, which may include advancements in technology and joint initiatives in sustainable development.
Second Leg
Following the visit to Brunei, PM Modi will head to Singapore from September 4-5, at the invitation of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. This leg of the trip will involve a review of the progress in the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership, focusing on deepening economic and technological ties. His meetings will include discussions with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and interactions with key business leaders. These engagements are poised to address opportunities for increased collaboration and investment, particularly in sectors highlighted during the recent second India-Singapore Ministerial Dialogue (ISMR).
The ISMR, held on August 26, 2024, outlined key areas of future cooperation including digital innovation, skill development, sustainability, healthcare, connectivity, and advanced manufacturing. These discussions, which involved Indian ministers — External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, set the stage for the upcoming high-level talks in Singapore. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of these engagements, noting the significant progress made and the ongoing commitment to advancing the India-Singapore Strategic Partnership.
Indo-Pacific & Act East Policy
India’s increased focus on Southeast Asia and its strategic pivot towards the Indo-Pacific is driven by the need to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the region. As China continues to expand its presence through economic and military means, India’s engagement with Brunei and Singapore reflects a broader strategy to build robust regional alliances and promote stability in the Indo-Pacific. By strengthening these relationships, India aims to enhance its role as a key player in regional security and economic integration.
The upcoming visits by Modi are set to solidify India’s diplomatic and strategic footprint in Southeast Asia. These high-level interactions not only mark a significant moment in India’s bilateral relations with Brunei and Singapore but also signal a strategic alignment with the broader goals of the ‘Act East’ policy. As India navigates the complexities of regional geopolitics, these engagements will be crucial in shaping a stable and cooperative Indo-Pacific landscape.