Bharat and Indonesia are gearing up for the seventh Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting, set to take place in the national capital on Friday.
The meeting, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia Air Marshal (Retd.) Donny Ermawan Taufanto, MDS, aims to foster closer ties between the two countries.
Discussions will encompass regional and global issues of mutual interest, reflecting the deepening relationship between Bharat and Indonesia.
During his two-day visit to Bharat starting May 2, Indonesian Secretary-General Donny Ermawan Taufanto will engage in discussions not only at the JDCC meeting but also with Bharatiya Defence Industries in New Delhi and Pune.
This exchange underscores the commitment of both nations to explore avenues for collaboration, particularly in defence industry, science, and technology.
The relationship between Bharat and Indonesia reached a significant milestone in 2018 when it was elevated to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
This elevation has broadened the scope of bilateral relations, paving the way for new collaborative ventures, especially in the defence sector. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the pivotal role of defence relations in strengthening this growing partnership.
Over the years, defence engagements between Bharat and Indonesia have diversified, encompassing various activities such as military-to-military exchanges, high-level visits, capacity building, training programmes, UN peacekeeping cooperation, ship visits, and bilateral exercises. These interactions reflect the commitment of both countries to deepen their defence cooperation for mutual benefit.
The foundation of defence cooperation between Bharat and Indonesia was laid in 2001 with the signing of a comprehensive agreement. This agreement led to the establishment of the JDCC, tasked with identifying potential areas of cooperation, coordinating approved activities, and monitoring progress.
Through this mechanism, both nations have been able to explore avenues for collaboration and enhance their defence capabilities. Beyond the realm of defence, Bharat and Indonesia share a rich history spanning over two millennia, characterized by close cultural and commercial ties.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasizes the unifying effect of shared culture, colonial history, and common post-independence goals, including political sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and independent foreign policy. These shared values serve as the bedrock of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Since the adoption of Bharat’s ‘Look East Policy’ in 1991, bilateral relations between Bharat and Indonesia have witnessed rapid development across political, security, defence, commercial, and cultural domains.
This proactive approach has contributed to the deepening of ties between the two countries, laying the groundwork for a robust and enduring partnership.
The upcoming JDCC meeting between Bharat and Indonesia represents another milestone in their journey towards closer defence cooperation. As both countries seek to address regional and international challenges together, the meeting serves as a platform to reaffirm their commitment to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
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