New Delhi, Jan 25 (Representative) India and Indonesia have decided to work together in defence manufacturing and supply chain, as well as in the field of maritime security, cyber security, counter terrorism, and deradicalisation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today, after talks with visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. In his address after holding bilateral talks with the visiting Indonesian dignitary, PM Modi also said that India will help in restoration of the Prambanan Hindu temple in Yogyakarta. He also said that India will share its experiences in food security and health, especially with regard to the Mid-day Meal scheme and the Public Distribution Scheme. PM Modi recalled that during his 2018 visit, they elevated their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and today the two sides held talks on the entire gamut of their ties. “In defence, we have decided that we will work together in defence manufacturing and supply chain. In the field of maritime security, cyber security, counter terrorism and deradicalisation, we have stressed on working together.” PM Modi said that in the last few years, the bilateral trade has increased, and last year it touched $30 billion.“To increase it, we have held discussions on further diversifying our market access and trade basket. The private sector is also an equal participant in our endeavours,” he added.
“We welcome the decisions arrived at the CEO Forum meeting, and the MoUs that we have agreed upon. “Fintech, AI, Internet of Things and digital public infrastructure are areas where we have decided to strengthen the bilateral partnership.” “In health and food security, like the Mid-day meal scheme and PDS, we are sharing our experiences. “We have decided to work together in the areas of energy, critical mineral, science tech, and space. The disaster management authorities of both countries will hold joint exercises.” PM Modi stressed on the ages-old ties between the two nations, and said the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharata and the Bali Jatra are living proof of their deep ties. “I am happy that after helping in the restoration of the Borobudur Buddhist temple we will now aid with that of the Prambanan Hindu temple.He said that the year 2025 is to be celebrated as India-Asean Year of Tourism. “This will help boost the cultural exchanges and tourism between India and Indonesia.”He said that in the Asean and the Indo-Pacific, Indonesia is a key partner for India. PM Modi added that both sides are committed to the maintenance of peace, security and prosperity and rules-based order in the region – in remarks targeted at China’s expansionist moves. “We are in agreement that freedom of navigation should be ensured in accordance with international laws.” He said that India’s Act East Policy stresses on Asean Unity and Centrality.PM Modi said the two sides have worked together at the G20, Asean and Indian Ocean Rim Association platforms.
“We welcome Indonesia’s BRICS membership,” he added.He also said the two sides will work together to take forward the Global South countries’ interests and priorities.The two sides signed a wide range of agreements covering the culture, health, maritime, security and digital sectors.President Prabowo said his government will accelerate its economic partnership with India and prioritise cooperation over the long term. “We discussed many key sectors of common interest in which we would like to accelerate the level of cooperation,” President Prabowo said in his remarks. He thanked India for its support for Indonesia through the process of becoming a member of BRICS, saying that the bloc of emerging market economies “will be beneficial for global stability and regional cooperation”.The MEA spokesperson said in a post on X: “Together for our vision of the Indo Pacific. PM @narendramodi and President @prabowo of Indonesia held wide-ranging talks at Hyderabad House today.Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with focus in the areas of defence & security, maritime domain, economic & people-to-people ties. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.”