India and Brunei Darussalam have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade, focusing on agricultural exports, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy cooperation. The third Joint Trade Committee meeting explored market access, business partnerships, investment opportunities and measures to expand commercial ties between both countries.
India and Brunei Darussalam have agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding Indian exports of agricultural goods, animal products and pharmaceutical products. The agreement was reached during the third meeting of the India–Brunei Darussalam Joint Trade Committee (JTC), where both countries discussed ways to improve market access, promote business partnerships and identify new investment opportunities.
The meeting reviewed existing trade relations between the two countries and explored measures to strengthen commercial engagement across several key sectors. According to a statement issued by India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the discussions focused on identifying practical avenues for expanding trade, facilitating business-to-business exchanges and improving cooperation between relevant government institutions.
The meeting was co-chaired by Amit Verma, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce under India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and May Fa’ezah Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary for Economy and Trade at Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Representatives from relevant ministries, departments and organisations of both countries participated in the deliberations.
Agricultural and animal products emerged as important areas of discussion, with both sides exploring ways to facilitate exports from India to Brunei Darussalam. The proposed cooperation is intended to support food security, diversify trade and create additional opportunities for Indian producers and exporters to access the Bruneian market.
Market access priorities were also discussed, with the two countries considering institutional mechanisms that could help businesses navigate trade requirements and establish stronger commercial relationships. Improved communication between relevant agencies is expected to support the implementation of initiatives agreed upon during the meeting.
Pharmaceuticals, healthcare and energy identified as priority sectors
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare were identified as significant areas offering scope for deeper cooperation. Both countries explored opportunities for regulatory collaboration, procurement and healthcare services, recognising the potential to expand engagement between businesses and institutions in these sectors.
Greater cooperation in pharmaceuticals could create additional opportunities for Indian manufacturers to supply medicines and healthcare-related products to Brunei Darussalam, subject to applicable regulations and market requirements. Discussions on healthcare services also highlighted the possibility of strengthening institutional engagement between the two countries.
Energy was another major area of interest. The delegations discussed traditional and emerging energy partnerships that could contribute to sustained industrial growth and support their broader economic objectives. The discussions reflected a shared interest in identifying opportunities for cooperation as energy requirements and industrial priorities evolve.
Business exchanges and investment opportunities
Beyond trade in goods and services, India and Brunei Darussalam emphasised the importance of strengthening people-to-people connections and commercial outreach. Tourism cooperation, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, and the organisation of reciprocal business delegations were identified as potential ways to deepen economic engagement.
The two sides noted that targeted trade promotion activities could help businesses identify new commercial opportunities and establish partnerships across manufacturing, infrastructure and services. Such exchanges could also improve awareness of market conditions, business requirements and potential areas for investment in both countries.
Regular interaction between businesses and industry representatives is expected to play an important role in translating discussions into practical commercial initiatives. Reciprocal delegations and trade exhibitions can provide platforms for exporters, investors and service providers to explore opportunities directly.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular communication between designated nodal agencies and working groups in both countries. The mechanism is intended to monitor follow-up actions, address trade-related concerns and advance the trade and investment objectives discussed during the JTC meeting.
Next meeting to be held in Brunei Darussalam
India and Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement and cooperation to strengthen bilateral economic relations. Both countries agreed on the importance of maintaining institutional dialogue to ensure progress on the priorities identified during the discussions.
| Also Read: Jaishankar to Hold Bilateral Talks During Three-Day UAE Visit |
The next meeting of the India–Brunei Darussalam Joint Trade Committee will be held in Brunei Darussalam, according to the Commerce Ministry’s statement.
The latest meeting represents a continued effort by the two countries to broaden their economic partnership through agricultural exports, pharmaceutical trade, healthcare cooperation, energy engagement and stronger business connections. The proposed initiatives are expected to provide a framework for further discussions on trade facilitation and investment opportunities as India and Brunei Darussalam seek to expand their commercial ties.
