ToR signed; JWG to drive a structured roadmap
The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Amitabh Prasad, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence, India, and Ms Poh Kui Choon, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Brunei. Prior to discussions, the co-chairs signed the ToR establishing the JWG as a formal mechanism to review existing defence engagements and chart a forward-looking agenda.
Both delegations welcomed the creation of the JWG as a platform to institutionalise dialogue, coordinate training and exercises, and pursue practical cooperation across defence domains.
Delegates discussed a set of priority areas including expanded military-to-military exchanges and joint training programmes, enhanced maritime security cooperation focused on safety of sea lanes, and collaboration on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR). The JWG will also explore capacity-building initiatives and technical cooperation to strengthen the defence capabilities of both nations.
Maritime security was highlighted as a shared priority given the Indo-Pacific strategic environment; participants agreed workstreams to improve interoperability, information sharing and coordinated responses to maritime incidents.
Industry and technology cooperation
Economic and industrial aspects of defence ties featured prominently. The JWG aims to identify opportunities for defence industry collaboration, including joint research, technology transfers and possible co-production initiatives. Frameworks for institutional engagement between Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and Bruneian stakeholders will be explored to facilitate technology cooperation and capability development.
Visits and leadership-level interactions
During her two-day visit, Deputy Permanent Secretary Ms Poh Kui Choon called on Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and visited DPSU Bhawan, a state-of-the-art hub recently inaugurated as a central facility for India’s 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings. The tour showcased India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem and the potential for industrial cooperation under the JWG umbrella.
The visit and high-level interactions reinforced political will on both sides to pursue practical outcomes through the JWG mechanism.
Shared commitment to regional stability
Both sides affirmed their commitment to maintain peace, stability and a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region. The JWG is expected to support this objective by enabling closer defence ties, information exchange, and collaborative capacity building measures that contribute to regional resilience and cooperative security.
Next steps and implementation
The JWG participants agreed to develop a structured roadmap detailing timelines, focal points and institutional responsibilities. Working groups and technical cells will be constituted to follow up on training exchanges, maritime cooperation protocols, HADR planning, and defence industry linkages. Regular meetings and periodic reviews will assess progress and refine priorities.