NEW DELHI: Amid rising tensions in the South China Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reaffirmed their commitment to peace, stability, maritime safety, and freedom of navigation in the region. In a joint statement issued following their bilateral meeting, they emphasized the importance of adhering to international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to resolve disputes peacefully.
The two leaders supported the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and called for the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in line with international law, including UNCLOS. They also agreed to continue efforts to ensure safe navigation through the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS), recognizing its critical role in enabling unhindered economic growth in the region.
Strengthening Defence and Counterterrorism Cooperation
The bilateral meeting on Saturday highlighted stronger defence ties, with both sides welcoming the ratification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA). They agreed to convene a meeting of their defence ministers soon to discuss its implementation. India also pledged support for Indonesia’s defence modernization programs by sharing expertise and experience.
Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and reaffirmed their commitment to combating the threat through bilateral and multilateral initiatives. They called for concerted global efforts to eliminate terror financing, prevent recruitment, and deny safe havens to terrorist organizations, emphasizing adherence to international obligations. The joint statement urged all nations to take decisive action against UN-proscribed terrorist groups and their affiliates.
Recognizing emerging security challenges, India and Indonesia agreed to collaborate in countering online radicalization and strengthening mechanisms to combat extremist ideologies. The leaders underscored the importance of collective efforts to maintain regional and global peace and stability.