India, Indonesia pitch for deeper ties in defence, security, maritime trade

India and Indonesia are actively working to strengthen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on expanding cooperation in defense, security, and maritime trade. This renewed push comes during the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi, the first such gathering in four years. The meeting served as a crucial platform to review and enhance collaboration across a wide spectrum of bilateral interests.

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It's a great pleasure to welcome you and your delegation to New Delhi for the eighth India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting. Our Joint Commission is happening after four years.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar welcomed the Indonesian delegation, emphasizing the deep-seated historical and strategic ties that bind the two largest democracies in South and Southeast Asia. He noted that the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Republic Day Chief Guest in 2025 has injected fresh momentum into their partnership. Jaishankar expressed anticipation for extensive discussions covering political, defense, security, maritime trade, investments, health, food security, tourism, education, and cultural cooperation.

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We had the honour to welcome President Prabowo Subianto on a state visit and as the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day last year.

The JCM discussions, co-chaired by Jaishankar and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, build upon recent diplomatic engagements. This includes a meeting in May where both ministers reviewed the progress of their partnership and cooperation with ASEAN. The ongoing dialogue also reinforces the robust security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2004 and a Joint Working Group meeting held in August 2024.

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There were very fruitful discussions between Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo during the visit, and that has certainly imparted fresh momentum to our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.