India, Indonesia ink 5 pacts to expand defence, trade relations
India and Indonesia on Saturday agreed to work together in defence manufacturing and supply chains, diversify two-way trade basket and boost maritime security ties with PM Narendra Modi describing the Southeast Asian nation as an “important partner” of New Delhi in the Indo-Pacific.
Following wide-ranging talks between Modi and visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, five pacts providing for cooperation in areas of health, traditional medicine, maritime security, culture and digital space were signed.
MEA Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumdar said both sides emphasised on cooperation in maritime and cyber security, tourism and people-to-people ties. Mazumdar said Subianto was eager to replicate India’s mid-day meal scheme in his country.
“He said repeatedly if something can work in a country of 1.4 billion people, it must be applicable elsewhere… Several MoUs were signed including one in health cooperation. Indonesia is keen on not only cooperation at the policy level, but also wanted to attract Indian professionals to open hospitals there,” he said.
Subianto had opened the infrastructure industry in the country for Indian private sector. “Indians are free to invest in ports, airports, railway infrastructure and many other sectors… Tourism is also an important sector for the two countries. Nearly seven lakh Indian tourists visited Indonesia last year, a huge rise,” he said.
Besides, Subianto had also expressed his desire for opening Indian higher educational institutions, including IITs, in his country, Mazumdar added.
It is learnt that Indonesia’s keenness to procure BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India figured in the talks.
Earlier in the day, Subianto was welcomed by President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi at the Rashtrapati Bhawan here. Later, he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat. Subianto will attend the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest. It will be the first time that an Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad.
