During a banquet lunch hosted in honour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jakarta on Tuesday, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto admitted to copying several of Modi's development programmes, drawing laughter from the attendees.
India-Indonesia Cooperation Agreements
The admission came on a day when India and Indonesia signed multiple agreements in various sectors, including health, education, defence, and critical minerals, as part of Modi's three-nation tour aimed at strengthening trade and security cooperation.
The agreements included a memorandum of understanding between India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control to enhance cooperation in medical products regulation. Another key agreement was the establishment of an overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in Indonesia's East Java province.
Key Takeaways from the Agreements
- Establishment of IIM Bangalore campus at Singhasari Special Economic Zone in East Java
- Cooperation in medical products regulation between India and Indonesia
- Agreements in defence, critical minerals, and maritime security cooperation
Subianto's admission of copying Modi's initiatives was met with appreciation from the Indian Prime Minister, who was seated beside him during the banquet lunch. The Indonesian President stated that his country faced similar developmental challenges as India and that initiatives successful in India could also benefit Indonesia.
Modi's visit to Jakarta marked a significant step in deepening India-Indonesia ties, with nearly a dozen agreements signed during his stay. The Indian Prime Minister's three-nation tour will continue with visits to Australia and New Zealand, focusing on strengthening trade and security cooperation in the region.
