PM Modi's Brunei visit signifies a strategic alignment in Indo-Pacific

PM Modi's visit to Brunei underscores India's growing strategic interest in the region and its commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

- GAUTAM KUMAR JHA

The tiny yet strategically located nation of Brunei Darus-salam plays a crucial role in the geopolitical landscape, particularly in the context of the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific region. Situated on the northern coast of Borneo, Brunei shares its maritime borders with Malaysia and has a modest coastline along the contentious South China Sea, an area of significant global interest due to its abundant natural resources and strategic maritime routes. Brunei's territorial claim over parts of the South China Sea, like other claimants, the Philippines, and Vietnam, is pivotal, given the growing tension in the region.

The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Brunei coincides with a period of heightened tensions in the South China Sea, largely driven by China's assertive claims over the majority of the territory. China's activities in the region have been viewed as increasingly belligerent, with the continuous military build-ups and the establishment of artificial islands serving as its military bases. Brunei, like several other Southeast Asian nations, finds itself in a delicate position, balancing its relations with China, while safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This insecurity is exacerbated by some ASEAN members shying away from taking a unified stance against China due to their growing economic ties with Beijing.

In this context, PM Modi's visit takes on added importance, as it underscores India's growing strategic interest in the region and its commitment to ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

IMPORTANCE OF SOUTH CHINA SEA