From Defence to Trade: India, Indonesia Aim to Deepen Strategic Partnership

Highlighting the deep-seated historical and strategic ties between the two nations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday stated that the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the Republic Day Chief Guest in 2025 has imparted fresh momentum to the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Welcoming the Indonesian delegation for the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM), which is being held after a gap of four years, Jaishankar outlined the vast potential for multi-sectoral cooperation.

"We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of our bilateral ties in 2025. 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.

"When I had called on His Excellency during that visit, I very much valued the guidance provided by him on further developing multifaceted bilateral ties.

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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," Jaishankar said.

The External Affairs Minister further emphasised that the high-level dialogue would comprehensively review and expand cooperation across diverse strategic fields, ranging from defence and trade to health and education.

"Today, I look forward to extensive discussions with you, covering the full spectrum of our bilateral cooperation from political to defence and security, maritime trade and investments, health and pharmaceuticals, food security, as well as tourism, education, and cultural cooperation," Jaishankar added.

The ongoing JCM discussions, co-chaired alongside Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, serve as a vital institutional mechanism to review progress on these major commitments made during President Prabowo's state visit.

The ministerial meeting directly builds upon recent diplomatic engagements, following a meeting on May 14 when Jaishankar met Foreign Minister Sugiono in the national capital ahead of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting.

In a post on X after that interaction, Jaishankar stated, "Glad to welcome FM Sugiono of Indonesia. Reviewed the progress of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and our cooperation with ASEAN."

This diplomatic momentum extends into deep-seated security cooperation between the two nations.

(With inputs from ANI)