India, Indonesia call for zero tolerance towards terrorism, agree to expand defence ties

Pic courtesy: @narendramodi

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Monday emphasised the importance of further consolidating security and defence cooperation and resolved to significantly enhance bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism and terrorists' financing.

At the same time, they condemned terrorism in all forms amd manifestations in strongest terms and called upon all countries to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and stop cross-border terror.

As per MEA, "Both leaders discussed the threat from global terrorism and other transnational crimes and resolved to significantly enhance bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, terrorist financing, money laundering, arms smuggling, trafficking in human beings and cyber crime."

On the economic front, "the leaders expressed satisfaction at the growth in trade and investment ties between India and Indonesia and recognised the importance of a predictable, open and transparent economic policy framework to facilitate greater two-way trade and investment and to promote private sector-led economic growth."

Here's the link to the India-Indonesia Joint Statement during the State visit of President @jokowi to India
Click: https://t.co/eQIxfToF5L pic.twitter.com/XvC9aJWiUt

— Indian Diplomacy (@IndianDiplomacy) December 12, 2016

Tweeting about his meeting with Indonesian President, PM Modi said:

Held extensive talks with President @jokowi on improving ties with Indonesia, one of the most valued partners in our Act East Policy. pic.twitter.com/dnP3nQHvXH — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2016

The issue of South China Sea figured prominently in the talks and in a veiled message to Beijing, both sides asserted that the dispute must be resolved through peaceful means and without resorting to threat or use of force.

In July, an international arbitration tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that China violated the Philippines' rights in the South China Sea, one of the busiest commercial shipping routes in the world.

The court accused China of interfering with the Philippines' fishing and petroleum exploration, building artificial islands in the waters and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone.

China reacted angrily, calling the verdict null and void with no binding force and that "China neither accepts it nor recognises it". But Beijing has since decided to go for bilateral talks with Manila. 

Indonesia, the largest of the Southeast Asian nations, however, does not have any such issue with China, as per IANS.

Two MoUs, one on providing for cooperation in youth affairs and sports and another on standardisation were signed. A joint communique on combating illegal and unregulated fishing was also firmed up.

"As the world's most populous Muslim nation, Indonesia stands for democracy, diversity, pluralism, and social harmony. These are also our values. Our nations and societies have nurtured strong bonds of commerce and culture throughout our history," PM Modi, flanked by Widodo, said in his media statement earlier, as per PTI.

Emphasising on the need to improve connectivity and encourage people-to-people contact, the two leaders also welcomed Indonesian airline Garuda commencing direct flights from Jakarta to Mumbai. 

(With Agency inputs)