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

India and Brunei Hold First JWG Meeting, Setting Roadmap for Enhanced Defence Cooperation

India and Brunei convened the first meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi, signalling a structured upgrade in their bilateral defence partnership. The newly formed platform aims to deepen military collaboration, strengthen maritime security and open avenues for technology-driven cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

JWG Formally Established Through Signed Terms of Reference

Before discussions commenced, both sides signed the Terms of Reference , officially establishing the JWG as a long-term institutional mechanism. The group will review ongoing initiatives, assess emerging security requirements and chart future areas of engagement, providing continuity and structure to bilateral defence ties.

Key Focus Areas of Defence Dialogue

The inaugural meeting highlighted several priority fields, including:

• Expansion of military-to-military exchanges

• Enhanced joint training programmes

• Strengthened cooperation on maritime security , with attention to safe sea lanes

• Greater emphasis on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations

• Collaboration in defence industry projects and capacity-building initiatives

Both countries reiterated the importance of shared training frameworks and defence industry partnerships for long-term interoperability.

Reinforcing Indo-Pacific Stability

Delegations underscored a mutual commitment to a peaceful, secure and rules-based Indo-Pacific , aligning with India’s Act East Policy and Brunei’s strategic maritime interests. The meeting affirmed steady momentum in bilateral defence ties, with both sides agreeing to develop a structured roadmap for deeper cooperation under the JWG framework.

High-Level Visit and Industry Interaction

Brunei’s Deputy Permanent Secretary Poh Kui Choon , who co-chaired the meeting, also met India’s Defence Secretary. Her visit included a tour of the new DPSU Bhawan , a centralised hub showcasing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities across 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings.

Exam Point

• First India–Brunei JWG on Defence Cooperation held in New Delhi .

• Terms of Reference signed to formally establish the mechanism.

• Key themes: joint training , maritime security , HADR , defence industry collaboration.

• JWG provides an institutional platform to review and expand defence initiatives.