External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Indonesia counterpart Sugiono held bilateral talks on Sunday as the two nations agreed to advance cooperation in defence, maritime security, digital connectivity and infrastructure. The two leaders also discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Jakarta next month.
Jaishankar co-chaired the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting with Sugiono in New .
After the bilateral meeting, Jaishankar posted on X, “A pleasure to co-chair the 8th India — Indonesia Joint Commission meeting alongside FM Sugiono. Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has witnessed a strong growth in recent years.”
“Held substantive discussions on our political, defence & security, maritime & shipping, trade, fintech, health, pharmaceuticals, fertiliser, critical mineral as well as tourism, education and cultural cooperation,” Jaishankar said. He also said he also “exchanged perspectives on regional developments, advancing our multilateral coordination and deepening India — ASEAN ties”.
Sugiono said, “Delighted to co-chair the 8th Indonesia–India Joint Commission Meeting with @DrSJaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India in New Delhi. We discussed key priorities under the Indonesia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, from trade and maritime security to digital connectivity, infrastructure, health and people-to-people ties.”
“Looking forward to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Jakarta,” said Sugiono, adding that it will be an important opportunity to deepen cooperation between both nations.
The MEA said the two Ministers reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations under the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed avenues for strengthening cooperation in political, defence and security, maritime, trade and investment, pharma and healthcare, digital, energy, connectivity, space, education, consular and culture domains, and people-to-people exchanges.
It also said the ministers noted that discussions between President Prabowo Subianto and PM Modi, including during the former’s State visit to India in January 2025, provided renewed impetus to the bilateral relationship.
The two sides exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation and coordination in regional and multilateral fora, it said.
From struggle against colonial powers, democratic traditions and pluralist culture, India & Indonesia share deep linkages. Independent India and Indonesia became chief votaries of independence of Asian and African countries, the spirit of which led to Bandung Conference of 1955 and later formation of NAM in 1961. Indonesia is a key pillar of India’s Act East Policy. The PM’s likely visit is expected to give a fillip to new sectors including defence and semiconductors.
