India and Brunei Hold First Joint Working Group Meeting on Defence Cooperation

India and Brunei convened the inaugural meeting of their Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi, marking a structured new phase in bilateral defence engagement. The platform aims to strengthen military collaboration, enhance maritime security and expand opportunities for technology partnership.

Formal Establishment of the JWG

Ahead of the discussions, both sides signed the Terms of Reference to formally establish the Joint Working Group. The mechanism is designed to review ongoing initiatives and chart future areas of cooperation, providing an institutional framework to guide defence ties.

Focus Areas of Bilateral Defence Dialogue

Key deliberations covered the expansion of military-to-military exchanges, increased joint training, and stronger coordination in maritime security with emphasis on safe sea lanes and humanitarian and disaster relief. Capacity-building initiatives and avenues for collaboration with defence industries were also highlighted as priority areas.

Strengthening Indo-Pacific Cooperation

Delegations reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The meeting underscored growing momentum in India–Brunei defence relations, with both countries agreeing to work on a structured roadmap for deeper engagement under the JWG framework.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The first India–Brunei JWG on Defence Cooperation was held in New Delhi.
• Terms of Reference establishing the JWG were signed before the meeting.
• Discussions included joint training, maritime security and HADR cooperation.
• The JWG will act as an institutional platform to review and expand defence initiatives.

High-Level Visit and Defence Industry Engagement

Brunei’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Poh Kui Choon, co-chair of the JWG, also met India’s Defence Secretary during her visit. She toured the new DPSU Bhawan, a centralised facility for India’s 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings, aimed at advancing innovation and showcasing defence manufacturing capabilities to global partners.