India and Brunei Strengthen Trade Ties at Joint Business Committee Meeting

New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : India and Brunei Darussalam have agreed to expand their bilateral trade, emphasizing the increase of agricultural and pharmaceutical exports from India. This decision was made during the third meeting of the India-Brunei Darussalam Joint Trade Committee (JTC), held on October 14, 2026.

The meeting aimed to identify measures to strengthen commercial relations and review bilateral trade and economic cooperation. It was co-chaired by Amit Verma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Faiza Ahmed Ariffin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Brunei Darussalam.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce following the meeting, representatives from relevant ministries, departments, and organizations of both countries participated in the discussions. The talks focused on expanding bilateral trade, addressing market access priorities, and establishing institutional mechanisms to facilitate business-to-business exchanges.

The two sides also discussed facilitating the export of agricultural and livestock products from India to Brunei to support food security and diversify trade. Key areas for further collaboration were identified as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and energy. Both parties considered opportunities for regulatory cooperation, procurement, and health services, acknowledging the potential for increased participation in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. Discussions on energy included both traditional and emerging partnerships to support sustainable industrial development.

Additionally, the importance of cooperation in tourism and participation in trade fairs and exhibitions was emphasized to strengthen mutual relations and commercial access between the peoples of both nations. They noted that targeted trade promotion programs and reciprocal trade delegations could help identify investment opportunities in manufacturing, infrastructure, and services.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the trade and investment objectives discussed during the meeting and maintaining regular dialogue between relevant nodal agencies and working groups for follow-up actions. The next meeting of the India-Brunei Darussalam Joint Trade Committee is scheduled to take place in Brunei Darussalam.