NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, pledging to ramp up cooperation in defence, trade, maritime security, counterterrorism and de-radicalisation with ASEAN‘s largest economy, which is also home to the world’s largest Muslim population. The meeting between Modi and Subianto, who is the chief guest for the Republic Day parade, also saw the two countries sign five MoUs, including one for maritime security and safety cooperation.
Indonesia is our important partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. Both countries are committed towards maintaining peace, security, prosperity and rules-based order in this entire region… We are also welcoming the membership of Indonesia in BRICS
PM Modi
Modi said after the meeting that the two sides had decided to work together in the areas of defence manufacturing and supply chain to strengthen cooperation in defence sector. He also called for ensuring freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific in line with international laws. “Now, we are also welcoming the membership of Indonesia in BRICS. At all these forums, we will work in coordination and cooperation for the interests and priorities of nations in Global South,” he said.
Both Delhi & Jakarta for rules-based order in entire region: PM
PM Modi described the Indonesian president’s presence at the Republic Day parade as a matter of immense pride for India. “Indonesia is our important partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. Both countries are committed towards maintaining peace, security, prosperity and rules-based order in this entire region,” he said, adding that in India’s Act Easy Policy, emphasis has been given to ASEAN unity and centrality. “We’ve also emphasised on cooperation in maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism and de-radicalisation. The agreement signed today on maritime safety and security will strengthen our cooperation in the areas of crime prevention, search and rescue, and capacity building.”
Govt also announced Indonesia will soon send a defence team to India to work out details of defence cooperation that will include joint exercises, training and repair and maintenance of common platforms. “Both sides saw tremendous potential for future development in defence, and the President, in fact, said he would send a high-powered defence delegation to India within the next few weeks,” said MEA secretary (east) Jaideep Mazumdar.
Modi also said over the past few years, bilateral trade has grown rapidly, and last year, this exceeded $30 billion. “We have also decided we will work together in sectors of energy, critical minerals, science & technology, space and STEM education,” he added.
