As Prime Minister Narendra Modi met visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday right ahead of the 76th Republic Day celebrations, India and Indonesia on Saturday decided to work jointly in defence manufacturing and supply chains, diversify the two-way trade basket and boost maritime security.
Subianto arrived in New Delhi on Thursday night primarily to grace the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest.
According to PTI, during the wide-ranging talks, at least five pacts providing for cooperation in areas of health, maritime security, culture and digital space were signed.
What did PM Modi say?
While issuing an official statement following the meeting, PM Modi asserted that both nations are committed to maintaining peace, security, and a rules-based order in the region and that freedom of navigation must be ensured in accordance with international laws.
The prime minister also said that both sides emphasised on cooperation in maritime security, cyber security, counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation.
In his remarks, Modi said both sides also decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in areas such as FinTech, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and digital public infrastructure.
Both sides also decided to work together in the areas of energy, critical minerals and science and technology.
"Indonesia is our important partner in the ASEAN ( Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Indo-Pacific region," Modi said.
"We both are committed to maintaining peace, security, prosperity and rules-based order in this entire region. We agree that freedom of navigation must be ensured in accordance with international laws," he said.
What did the Indonesian President say?
At a media briefing, Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said the Indonesian president sought Indian investments in almost all infrastructure sectors including in ports, airports and railways.
There were extensive discussions on enhancing defence cooperation that included repair and maintenance of common platforms and collaboration in shipbuilding, he said.
It was discussed that we have several common platforms and it would make sense for Indonesia to source some of the requirements for servicing their platforms from India, he said.
Mazumdar said the entire health sector is something that has tremendous potential for cooperation and the Indonesian side was very keen to attract Indian healthcare groups to set up hospitals in that country besides having their doctors trained in India.
(With PTI Inputs)
