India-Indonesia Lead in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, Strengthening Defence Ties in ASEAN

India-Indonesia Lead in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, Strengthening Defence Ties in ASEAN

VoM News Desk | November 16, 2023 | 09:15 PM IST | World | Follow on Google News

India-Indonesia Lead in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, Strengthening Defence Ties in ASEAN

India-Indonesia Lead in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief, Strengthening Defence Ties in ASEAN

In a significant move, India and Indonesia have jointly taken the helm of the Expert Working Group (EWG) on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) for the 2021-2024 cycle. This collaboration underscores the deepening ties between the two nations, particularly in the realm of defence and regional stability.

Rajnath Singh’s Engagements in Indonesia

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to Indonesia for the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Jakarta, engaged in several key bilateral meetings. His discussions with Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto were particularly noteworthy, where Singh lauded Indonesia’s leadership in ASEAN and the organization of ADMM-Plus.

Focus on Maritime Cooperation and Defence Industry

The talks between India and Indonesia were centered around bolstering the bilateral defence relationship, with a special focus on maritime cooperation. They reviewed various aspects of their defence partnership, including training, staff talks, exercises, and explored new avenues for defence industry collaboration.

India’s Defence Partnership with Vietnam

Singh also held a meeting with Vietnam’s National Defence Minister, General Phan Van Giang. They assessed the progress of the ‘Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030’, emphasizing the strengthening of multifaceted bilateral defence ties. This includes training, capacity building, defence industry cooperation, and participation in UN peacekeeping, among other areas.

India’s Role in ASEAN and Support for ASEAN Centrality

In his meeting with ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn, Singh reiterated India’s support for ASEAN Centrality. He commended the enthusiastic participation of ASEAN Member States in various India-ASEAN activities, highlighting India’s initiatives in maritime exercises, women’s roles in UN Peacekeeping Operations, and response to marine plastic pollution.

Singh’s Participation in ADMM-Plus and Welcoming Laos as New Chair

During the 10th ADMM-Plus, Singh congratulated Indonesia for its successful chairmanship and welcomed Laos as the new chair, expressing his best wishes for their tenure in 2024.

These series of meetings and Singh’s active participation in ADMM-Plus reflect India’s strategic commitment to enhancing its role in ASEAN, promoting peace, stability, and cooperation in the region.

VoM News Desk

VoM News is an online web portal in jammu Kashmir offers regional, National & global news.