Sat Jan 25 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## India and Indonesia Strengthen Ties, Agree on Joint Defense Production
**New Delhi:** India and Indonesia have agreed to further strengthen their bilateral relations, with a key focus on joint defense production. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met in New Delhi on Saturday and signed several agreements covering a wide range of sectors.
The two leaders emphasized their commitment to enhancing cooperation in defense manufacturing, maritime security, healthcare, trade, cybersecurity, and the digital space. The joint defense production initiative is particularly significant, especially in the context of increasing Chinese naval activity in the Indo-Pacific region. The two countries also agreed to uphold freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, a statement widely interpreted as a subtle rebuke to China.
Modi highlighted Indonesia’s importance as a key partner, particularly within ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific. He expressed pride in Indonesia’s role as the chief guest for India’s 75th Republic Day celebrations, following its participation in the first Republic Day. India also pledged support for Indonesia’s potential entry into the BRICS group and offered assistance in preserving historical sites like the Borobudur Buddhist temple and Prambanan Hindu temple.
President Widodo echoed Modi’s sentiment, stating Indonesia’s readiness to enhance bilateral ties across various sectors. The two countries also agreed to cooperate on artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and the development of digital infrastructure. The meeting concluded with a joint commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations.
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