Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
26-01-2025
JAKARTA/ NEW DELHI: Indonesia and India signed a wide range of agreements on Saturday covering culture, health, maritime, security and digital sectors.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of India’s Republic Day celebrations on Sunday.
President Prabowo said his government will accelerate its economic partnership with India and prioritize the cooperation over the long term.
“We discussed many key sectors of common interest in which we would like to accelerate the level of cooperation,” Prabowo said in a press conference after the signing ceremony.
Prabowo also thanked India for its support of Indonesia through the process of becoming a member of BRICS, saying the bloc of emerging market economies “will be beneficial for global stability and regional cooperation”.
Speaking before Prabowo’s remarks, Prime Minister Modi said the two countries will work together in defence manufacturing and improving supply chains.
“We also decided to cooperate on issues such as maritime security, cybersecurity, counter terrorism and de-radicalization,” Modi said.
In addition to defence collaboration, PM Modi underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation in maritime security, cyber security, counter-terrorism, and de-radicalization efforts. He highlighted a new agreement on maritime safety and security, which aims to strengthen crime prevention, search and rescue operations, and capacity-building efforts between the two countries. “The agreement signed today in maritime safety and security will further strengthen our cooperation in crime prevention, search and rescue and capacity building,” Modi said.
On the economic front, PM Modi noted the significant growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed USD 30 billion last year. He expressed optimism about further expanding trade relations and diversifying the sectors involved. “In the last few years, our bilateral trade has grown rapidly. Last year, it crossed the USD 30 billion mark. To further this, we’ve discussed diversifying market access and trade basket,” he said.
Both nations also agreed to explore new areas of collaboration in cutting-edge technologies, including FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and Digital Public Infrastructure. Modi highlighted India’s role in sharing knowledge with Indonesia on critical issues like health and food security. “India is sharing knowledge related to health and food security with Indonesia,” he said, adding that disaster management authorities from both countries will engage in joint exercises to strengthen their response capabilities.
Reflecting on the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two countries, PM Modi expressed pride in India’s role in preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage. “The relations between India and Indonesia are thousands of years old. I am happy that after the Borobudur Buddhist temple in Indonesia, now we will also contribute to the conservation of the Prambanan Hindu temple,” he noted.
Looking ahead to the Republic Day celebrations, PM Modi said it was a matter of great pride for India that President Subianto would be the Chief Guest. “It is a matter of pride for us that you are the Chief Guest on Republic Day. We are all looking forward to seeing the marching contingent of Indonesia for the first time in this ceremony. I once again extend a hearty welcome to you and your delegation to India,” he added.
President Subianto, in his visit, paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, laying a wreath and signing the visitors’ book. He was accompanied by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita. (Int’l Monitoring Desk)
