New Delhi, May 3: With both having interests in the South China Sea on which Beijing lays absolute claim, India and Indonesia today “identified opportunities to enhance collaboration” in maritime security, defence industry ties and multilateral cooperation.
The opportunities were discussed during the 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee meeting that took place here.
The Indian side was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane while the Indonesian team was headed by Secretary General of its Ministry of Defence Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto.
“Both sides expressed satisfaction with the expanding scope of defence cooperation,” said a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of Defence.
“Progress on various bilateral defence initiatives was reviewed, with a focus on collaborations discussed in the Working Groups on Defence Cooperation and Defence Industries Cooperation,” it said.
“The meeting identified opportunities to enhance collaboration, particularly in defence industry ties, maritime security, and multilateral cooperation,” the statement said.
The discussions on collaboration in maritime security and multilateral cooperation assumes significance since both India and Indonesia have interests in the South China Sea on which Beijing is laying absolute claim and thus hampering free navigation and movement.
During the visit, the Indonesian Secretary General toured key Indian defence establishments, including the DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, TATA Advanced Systems, and L&T Defence facilities in Pune.
He also held discussions with officials of industry partners like Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited which centered on enhancing defence industrial capabilities through research and joint production.
The visiting Secretary General also paid respects at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and held discussions with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
“The visit underscores the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia, with a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region and a commitment to bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Indonesia remains a significant partner in India’s Act East Policy and broader regional initiatives,” the Defence Ministry statement said.
