PM Modi's trip to Brunei: What we know about the country and why it matters to India

Sept. 3, 2024, 2:54 a.m.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Brunei on September 3rd for a scheduled visit.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Modi's trip, taking place on September 3rd and 4th at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, is intended to enhance bilateral collaboration between India and Brunei across all existing areas.

This will be the inaugural bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Brunei, as confirmed by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Jaiswal further mentioned that the visit will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Brunei.

But what do we know about Brunei? Why does it hold significance for India?

Let’s take a closer look:

History

Brunei is a small nation in Southeast Asia.

It is located on the northern coast of the island of Borneo.

The South China Sea is located to its north, and the Malaysian state of Sarawak borders it to the east, west, and south.

Brunei was a British protectorate since 1888.

In 1963, it was the sole Malay state that did not join the federation that became Malaysia.

Brunei received its independence in 1984.

It is a member of the Commonwealth and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Population

The country has a population of around 460,000.

Almost two-thirds of Brunei's population are categorized as Malay, according to Britannica.

This category includes various indigenous groups, such as the Dusun, Belait, Kedayan, Murut, and Bisaya.

A tenth of the population is Chinese.

Advertisement The remaining population consists of non-Malay indigenous people like the Iban (or Sea Dayak), individuals of South Asian origin, and temporary workers from Asia and Europe.

While Malay is Brunei's official language, English serves as a prominent second language.

A significant number of Chinese citizens speak local dialects and learn Mandarin in school.

The population primarily adheres to Sunni Islam, although the Chinese community embraces Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, or Christianity.

Certain indigenous groups practice Christianity, while others maintain their own unique religious beliefs.

Brunei is also a young country.

Over a fifth of the population is under the age of 15.

Around half is under the age of 30.

Brunei's birth rate is comparable to the global average, while its death rate is one of the lowest in the world.

The country has a life expectancy exceeding the global average at 78 years, according to Britannica.

Advertisement As per BBC, citizens of Brunei pay no income tax.

Leader

Brunei is also renowned for its leader and family's immense wealth.

The Sultan of Brunei, who was once the wealthiest person globally, remains among the world's wealthiest individuals.

He has an estimated net worth of around $30 billion.

Advertisement As per SCMP, Sultan Bolkiah has around 7,000 cars.

Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Prince Abdul Mateen walk outside Westminster Abbey ahead of Britain’s King Charles’ coronation ceremony, in London, Britain May 6, 2023. Reuters File Photo He flies his barber in from London’s Dorchester hotel.

He resides in the world’s largest palace.

Sultan Bolkiah assumed the throne in 1968 after his father, Sir Haji Omar Ali Saifuddin, stepped down.

Sultan Bolkiah is among the world’s longest reigning monarchs.

He is also among the few monarchs who possess absolute authority over their nation.

In 1984, Sultan Bolkiah appointed himself prime minister.

In 1991, he established the Malay Muslim Monarchy, a title that designates the monarch as the “defender of the faith.”

While Sultan Bolkiah enjoys widespread popularity within his nation, he has also faced criticism for implementing Sharia law.

Brunei, in 2014, became the first East Asian nation to adopt Sharia law, which prescribes punishments such as stoning for adultery and amputation of limbs for theft.

Advertisement In 2019, Brunei enacted a law that allows for the death penalty in cases of homosexual activity, as reported by the BBC.

India-Brunei relations

The two countries established relations in 1984.

However, the Indian community in Brunei has a long history dating back to the 1930s.

There are around 14,500 Indians living in Brunei.

More than half of the Indian diaspora in Brunei are semi-skilled or unskilled workers employed in the oil and gas industry, construction, and retail sectors.

Many doctors in Brunei are also from India.

Indians are also teachers, engineers, and IT professionals.

Indian businesspeople also hold a substantial share of Brunei's textile market.

Indians are also viewed positively in Brunei.

Why does Brunei matter to India?

Brunei is a key partner in India's 'Act East' Policy and its vision for the Indo-Pacific region.

According to NDTV, the Ministry of External Affairs has stated that Brunei, serving as India's Country Coordinator from 2012 to 2015, was instrumental in strengthening India's ties with ASEAN.

Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $195.2 million in 2023, $382.8 million in 2022, and $522.7 million in 2021.

In November 2014, Prime Minister Modi met with Sultan Bolkiah on the sidelines of the 25th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar.

Modi and Sultan Bolkiah also had a meeting during the 2017 East Asia Summit in the Philippines.

The MEA stated that the visit will enhance our collaboration with Brunei in all current areas, including defense cooperation, trade and investment, energy, space technology, health cooperation, capacity building, culture, as well as people-to-people exchanges, and explore possibilities for partnership in emerging fields.

With inputs from agencies