India-Indonesia sign agreements on strengthening defence, economic ties

India and Indonesia hold bilateral discussions on strengthening of defence and security cooperation, improving maritime relations and combating terrorism, organised crime, drugs and human trafficking.

New Delhi, Dec 12: Indonesia's President Joko Widodo, who is on a two-day visit to India, held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which both countries exchanged agreements in three different fields in New Delhi on Monday.

The bilateral discussions focussed on strengthening of defence and security cooperation, improving maritime relations and combating terrorism, organised crime, drugs and human trafficking.

"The president and I also agreed to build a strong economic and development partnership that strengthens the flow of ideas, trade, capital and people," Modi said his joint address with President Widodo.

Modi said the agreements would help shape an action agenda and add new intensity to strategic engagement between the two nations.

"We agreed on importance of stimulating research on historical linkages and speeding up establishment of chairs of Indian and Indonesian studies," the prime minister added.

Referring to Indonesia as India's most important partner of the “Act East Policy”, Modi said both countries have a shared economic and strategic interests.

He also termed the South Asian nation's airline Garuda Indonesia's decision to commence direct flights to Mumbai.

Earlier on Monday, Widodo was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan after which he visited Mahatma Gandhi's memorial Rajghat to pay floral tributes.

Widodo earlier urged the Indian companies to work closely in the fields of IT, Pharmaceuticals and skill development. The two countries have also agreed on early implementation of India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement in services and investment and regional comprehensive economic partnership.

OneIndia News