India Supports Policy Of Development, Not Expansionism, PM Modi Says

India supports a policy of development and not expansionism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Brunei on Wednesday, though he did not name any country.

Brunei is located south of the South China Sea, which is claimed almost entirely by Beijing. Ties between India and China have been strained since 20 Indian and four Chinese troops were killed in a border clash on their Himalayan frontier in 2020.

PM Modi also said that India supports freedom of navigation and overflight under international laws similar to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides a framework for global maritime navigation and regulates the use of marine resources.

Earlier, at the banquet hosted by Brunei Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah on Wednesday, PM Modi thanked the royal family for their warm welcome and their hospitality. He noted that the two nations share deep historical and cultural ties and will mark the 40th anniversary of political relations this year.

PM Modi said, "India and Brunei share deep historical and cultural ties. This year, we are celebrating the 40th anniversary of our political relations. On this occasion, we have decided to give our relations the status of Enhanced Partnership."

"We had extensive discussions on all aspects to give strategic direction to our partnership. We are committed to strengthening our cooperation in the economic, scientific and strategic areas," he added.

PM Modi said that he and the Sultan of Brunei discussed possibilities of long-term cooperation in LNG. The two leaders also agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two nations in the space sector. He also announced that direct flights between the two nations will start soon.