New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House on Saturday, marking an important step in strengthening ties between the two countries. Several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUS) were exchanged during the meeting, covering areas such as health cooperation, digital infrastructure and defense cooperation.
PM Modi stressed the importance of Indonesia as a partner in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific regions, reaffirming India’s commitment to the centrality and unity of ASEAN under its ‘Act East’ policy.
“The year 2025 will be celebrated as the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism. It will enhance cultural exchanges and promote tourism between India and Indonesia. Indonesia is an important partner for us in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions. We Both are committed to maintaining peace, security, prosperity and rule of law in the region.
“ASEAN unity and centrality has been emphasized in our ‘Act-East’ policy,” PM Modi said.
Highlighting the historical ties, PM Modi said, “Indonesia was the chief guest on India’s first Republic Day, and as we celebrate 75 years of the Republic, it is a matter of great pride that Indonesia is a part of this historic occasion.” Is.”
The Prime Minister noted the growing bilateral trade, which exceeded $30 billion last year, and announced enhanced cooperation in areas such as fintech, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and digital public infrastructure.
They also mentioned cooperative efforts in maritime security, cyber security, counter-terrorism and de-radicalization.
Important agreements included maritime safety and security, aimed at enhancing crime prevention, search and rescue and capacity building. Additionally, partnerships were further strengthened in energy, critical minerals, science, technology and space.
PM Modi also highlighted cultural and historical ties, mentioning the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bali Jatra, as well as India’s involvement in the conservation of Indonesia’s Prambanan Hindu temple.
The Prime Minister welcomed Indonesia’s membership of BRICS and reiterated India’s commitment to cooperate on the interests of countries in the Global South.
Prabowo expressed his gratitude to India for its long-standing support, noting that the Indonesian Embassy in India is located on land donated by the Government of India.
Greeting India on the 76th Republic Day, Prabowo said, “We feel very honored that I will be the chief guest at the Republic Day Parade tomorrow and because the first chief guest in India’s first Republic Day parade was President Sukarno, it is Is a great honor for me.
“Indonesia considers India a long-time friend. India was one of the first strong supporters of our independence struggle. India sent aid, financial assistance and medical aid in our struggle for independence. Many Indian leaders in our critical times Supported us,” he said.
He also thanked India for supporting Indonesia’s permanent membership in BRICS, adding, “We are confident that this cooperation will be beneficial for global stability and regional cooperation.”
Prabowo said the ongoing discussions will strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, health, energy and technology.
The two leaders emphasized their shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, reaffirming their determination to deepen the long-term strategic partnership between India and Indonesia.
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