Modi in Brunei calls for ‘code of conduct’ in Indo Pacific

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Modi in Brunei sends out veiled message against ‘expansionism’ of China

By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi, September 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for ‘code of conduct’ in the Indo Pacific region. In a veiled message to China, the prime minister asserted support for freedom of navigation and overflight facilities in the Indo Pacific region.

“India has always given priority to ASEAN centrality and will continue to do so. We support freedom of navigation and over-flights under international laws like UNCLOS,” said the prime minister.

Modi made a veiled reference to China. He specifically called out “expansionism”. The South China Sea nations have accused China of ‘expansionism’.

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“We agree that a code of conduct should be agreed in this region. We support the policy of development, not expansionism,” added the prime minister.

The remarks of the prime minister have come at a time when China is regularly confronting vessels of Philippines and other nations in the South China Sea. India is also a member nation of QUAD with focus on the Indo pacific.

The prime minister was speaking at the royal reception in Brunei on Wednesday. Modi is on his first visit to Brunei, a first for any prime minister of the country.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to His Majesty and the entire royal family for the warm welcome and hospitality. This is the first bilateral visit of an Indian Prime Minister to Brunei,” said Modi.

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He stated that the “the warmth I have received here makes me feel the centuries-old ties between our two countries every moment”.

The prime minister also stressed that “this year marks the 40th anniversary of Brunei’s independence. Under your leadership, Brunei has progressed with an important confluence of tradition and continuity”.

“Your vision for Brunei “Wawasan 2035” is commendable. On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I extend my best wishes to you and the people of Brunei,” added the prime minister.

He also stated that “India and Brunei share deep historical and cultural ties. This year we are celebrating the fortieth anniversary of our diplomatic relations. On this occasion, we have decided to elevate our relations to Enhanced Partnership”.

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The prime minister stressed that the two nations have given “extensive discussions on all aspects to give strategic direction to our partnership”. “We are committed to strengthen our cooperation in economic, scientific and strategic areas,” he added.

The prime minister also stated “we have decided to focus on mutual cooperation in agro-industry, pharma and health as well as FinTech and cyber security”.

“In the energy sector, we discussed the possibilities of long-term cooperation in LNG. To enhance cooperation in the defence sector, we positively considered the possibilities of defence industry, training and capacity building,” he added.

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The prime minister also stressed on cooperation in the field of space” “We agreed on satellite development, remote sensing and training. Soon, direct flights will be started for connectivity between the two countries,” he added.

The prime minister lauded “people to people relations”. “I am happy that the Indian community is making a positive contribution to the economy and society of Brunei. With the inauguration of the Indian Embassy yesterday, the Indian community has got a permanent address,” he said, adding that “Brunei has been an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision”.

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