Modi Affirms India's Commitment to Development Policy in Brunei

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India's commitment to development over expansionism during his visit to Brunei. The visit comes at a time when Indo-China relations are strained following a deadly border clash. Modi reiterated India's support for international maritime laws to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to a development-focused policy rather than expansionism during a visit to Brunei on Wednesday. Although Modi did not name any specific country, his remarks come amid increased tensions with China.

Brunei, situated south of the South China Sea, has strategic significance as Beijing claims nearly all of the sea's territories. In 2020, a deadly border clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, further straining bilateral relations.

Modi also underscored India's support for international maritime laws, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These regulations are pivotal for maintaining global maritime navigation and resource usage, particularly in contested regions like the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)