India and Indonesia discussed in detail today several shared priorities, including review of the current global and security issues, countering terrorism, violent extremism and enhancing maritime, defence, and cyber security cooperation.
The pivotal talks took place during the second India-Indonesia Security Dialogue (IISD) held in Jakarta on Thursday which was co-chaired by India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Indonesia's Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mohammad Mahfud.
The dialogue was critical for building a special relationship between the two maritime neighbours which can shape the contours of the Indo-Pacific region.
Hosting the straits of Malacca, Sunda, Lombok and Ombai Wetar, Indonesia is the gateway for international trade passing through the Indian Ocean and the Pacific. Like India, which pursues the doctrine of Strategic Autonomy, Indonesia, a resource rich country with a huge population a too follows an independent foreign policy, opening the scope for a robust partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
The IISD forum brings the security advisers of the two countries together to discuss and enhance cooperation between both countries on political and security issues.
NSA Doval and the Indonesian minister recognised the importance of traditional friendly relationship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries and expressed confidence that the IISD would strengthen the cooperation between them to overcome common challenges. The duo also identified opportunities for further close collaboration in the field of political and security issues.
The two also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for Security Dialogue between the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs of Indonesia and the National Security Council Secretariat of India.
NSA Doval conveyed his gratitude to Minister Mahfud for hosting the meeting in Indonesia and extended an invitation to host Indonesia in India to co-chair the 3rd IISD.
The National Security Adviser also met Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ibu Retno Marsudi and exchanged views on bilateral, regional and global issues. Both leaders reiterated commitment to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.
NSA Doval also held discussions with Indonesia's coordinating minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs.
NSA Doval with Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Minister Ibu Retno Marsudi
Significant impetus has been given by the Narendra Modi government towards increasing the depth and scope of cooperation between the two countries.
The inaugural India Indonesian Security Dialogue was held in New Delhi in January 2018, followed by the Biennial Defence Ministers Dialogue (held after a gap of nearly 5 years); the commencement of Air Force to Air Force Staff Talks; increasing the frequency of Navy to Navy Staff Talks; participation of Special Forces in the annual bilateral Army Exercise ‘Garuda Shakti; and the conduct of specialised training for Indonesian Navy and Indonesian Air Force.
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