Overview
- The inaugural Joint Working Group on Defence Cooperation convened in New Delhi on December 9, co‑chaired by India’s Amitabh Prasad and Brunei’s Poh Kui Choon.
- Before deliberations, the co‑chairs signed the Terms of Reference formally establishing the JWG as the platform for ongoing cooperation.
- Discussions centered on expanding joint training and exchanges, strengthening sea‑lane security, advancing HADR and capacity building, and exploring industry and technology collaboration.
- Both sides agreed to implement a structured cooperation roadmap and reaffirmed support for peace, stability, and a rules‑based order in the Indo‑Pacific.
- During the visit, Poh Kui Choon met Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and toured DPSU Bhawan, the hub for India’s 16 defence public sector undertakings.