Indonesian, Indian Defense Ministers Discuss Cooperation in Defense Industry

Jakarta, MINA — Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart, Nirmala Sitharaman, to discuss cooperation in the defense industry, Antara News reported.

“The visit of Minister (Sitharaman) here aims to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries. India has a good capacity in its defense industry,” Ryacudu told the press after the meeting at the Defense Ministry in Jakarta, on Tuesday.

The military products from India that can be used by Indonesia include radar and drones.

Those defense tools are needed to secure regions in the archipelago.

In addition to discussing cooperation in the defense industry, both ministers also talked about maritime cooperation and disaster management.

India, according to Ryacudu, is eager to join the joint patrol in the Malacca Strait, a cooperation that has been carried out by Indonesia and its neighbouring country, Malaysia.

However, Malaysia has not give approval for India`s participation in jointing the patrol.

Indonesia and India will also cooperate in the training of Sukhoi pilots, noting that India has many Russian-made jet fighters.

Also, Indonesia`s PT Len and India`s Bharat Electronic Ltd are to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the procurement of radar. The signing is expected to be carried out during the Indo Defence Expo and Forum, to be held in Jakarta, 7-10 November 2018.

Ryacudu said he appreciated the long-range missiles, which he considered to be an example of the technological progress made by India. Such progress is in line with Indonesia`s vision to build seven national flagship programs in the defense industry, including mastering missile technology.

Mutual benefit

Meanwhile, Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Shitaraman said that the defense cooperation with Indonesia was very beneficial, noting that much had been improved.

For the field of disaster management, India will provide more assistance if Indonesia requests it.

“In this meeting, we shared more information and mutual benefits,” she said.

At present, India and Indonesia have had three bilateral forums in the security sector at various levels, those include Biennial Meetings at the level of Minister of Defense, the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) at the level of Secretary General and Indonesia-India Security Dialogue (IISD) at the level of Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security.

Defense cooperation between India and Indonesia has a legal basis in the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed in January 2001.

DCA had been revised jointly and signed by both parties in May 2018. The document has been handed over, in conjunction with Indian PM Narendra Modi`s visit to Indonesia in May 2018. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)