Sat Jan 25 09:18:49 UTC 2025: ## India and Indonesia Strengthen Ties with Wide-Ranging Agreements

**New Delhi, India** – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held bilateral talks on Saturday, solidifying the strong relationship between the two nations. The meeting, held at Hyderabad House, resulted in the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering a broad spectrum of cooperation, including health, digital infrastructure, and defense.

PM Modi underscored Indonesia’s crucial role as a partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific regions, reiterating India’s dedication to ASEAN centrality under its ‘Act East’ policy. He highlighted the upcoming India-ASEAN Year of Tourism in 2025, aimed at boosting cultural exchange and tourism. The leaders also discussed enhanced cooperation in areas such as Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, and digital public infrastructure, building on the already robust bilateral trade which exceeded $30 billion last year.

Significant agreements were reached on maritime safety and security, encompassing crime prevention, search and rescue, and capacity building. Further collaboration was pledged in energy, critical minerals, science, technology, and space. PM Modi also highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, referencing shared epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

President Prabowo expressed deep gratitude for India’s long-standing support, emphasizing India’s crucial role in Indonesia’s independence struggle. He also welcomed Indonesia’s recent inclusion in BRICS, viewing it as beneficial for global stability and regional cooperation. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, vowing to deepen the strategic partnership between their nations. President Prabowo will serve as the Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, a symbolic gesture marking the strong bond between the two countries. A contingent of Indonesian military personnel will also participate in the Republic Day parade, a first for Indonesia outside its own country.

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