India and Brunei advanced their growing security relationship with the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation, held on December 9, 2025. The session, hosted in the Indian capital, marked an important step forward in carrying out the India-Brunei Defence Partnership established in February 2023. Designed as a structured platform for continuous engagement, the JWG aims to deepen collaboration across a broad spectrum of defense and strategic initiatives.
The discussions during the meeting focused on expanding direct military cooperation between the two nations. Both sides emphasized strengthening professional exchanges, developing new joint training programs, and enhancing coordination in areas vital to regional security. Particular attention was given to maritime cooperation—an area of growing significance for both countries—especially the safe movement of vessels, greater preparedness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, and long-term capacity building.
Representatives from both governments also explored fresh opportunities in defense industrial collaboration and technological partnerships. India and Brunei expressed interest in identifying mutually beneficial projects that could elevate their strategic engagement and support innovation in defense technologies.
The meeting was jointly chaired by Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary in India’s Ministry of Defence, and Poh Kui Choon, Deputy Permanent Secretary at Brunei’s Ministry of Defence. Before the formal conversations began, the two leaders signed the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the JWG. This document officially established the group and laid the foundation for ongoing dialogue and institutional cooperation.
Both Prasad and Choon reiterated their countries’ shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and adherence to a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. The importance of collaborative security frameworks was underscored given the region’s strategic significance and evolving challenges.
During her visit, Choon also met with India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh. She toured the New Defence Public Sector Undertaking Bhawan, a state-of-the-art complex housing sixteen major defense enterprises. The visit highlighted India’s growing industrial capabilities and opportunities for joint ventures in the future.
The inaugural meeting reaffirmed India and Brunei’s intention to broaden their partnership and continue building a resilient and cooperative security relationship that supports regional stability.
