India & Indonesia Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation

SAGAR: Security & Growth for All in the Region and Maritime Fulcrum – Visions of India and Indonesia matched as the two Maritime neighbors and sea faring nations vowed to bolster their existing bilateral ties in the economy and defense sectors to establishing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during first-ever official visit of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi to the Republic of Indonesia on 29-30 May 2018, at the invitation of President of Indonesia  Joko Widodo (Jokowi)  when they discussed Shared Vision of the two countries on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region and India’s Act East Policy. The two leaders held extensive talks on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest and provided strategic directions that would further enhance the solid and expanding relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi said India and Indonesia would double their efforts to take bilateral trade to USD 50 billion by 2025 from USD 18 billion in 2017.

India and Indonesia whose relations are rooted in civilisational contacts developed through the seas and who share similar perceptions of the evolving maritime environment in the region and world at large; signed 15 agreements, including those to boost cooperation in defence, space, science and technology, railways and health sectors, and called for freedom of navigation in the strategic Indo-Pacific region.  The joint statement said the two Prime Ministers:

• Had a strong belief that the two sides developing their cooperation in maritime sector would be a force of immense stability in the region.
• Were desirousof strengthening their maritime cooperation for promotion of peace,  stability and bringing in robust economic growth and prosperity to the Indo-Pacific region
• Recognizedthat India occupies a central position in the Indo-Pacific with a coastline of 7500 kms, with more than 1,380 islands and more than two million sq. km of Exclusive Economic Zone; while Indonesia as the largest archipelagic State in the world is a fulcrum that connects the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean with a coastline of 108000 kms, with 17504 islands and features and a total of maritime areas of 6400000 sq. km including Exclusive Economic Zone. Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean represent a combined maritime region which is important for global maritime trade and commerce.
• Reiterated the importance of achieving a free, open, transparent, rules-based, peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty and territorial integrity, international law, in particular UN Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS), freedom of navigation and over-flight, sustainable development and an open, free, fair and mutually beneficial trade and investment system are respected;
• Appreciated the leadership role played by Indonesia and India as previous Chairs of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to build a more peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region through enhanced cooperation as mandated in the Jakarta Concord and Plan of Action as the results of the IORA Leaders’ Summit held in March 2017 in Jakarta to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the IORA;
• Explored convergences and complementarities in the region between India’s Act East Policy and Security and Growth for all in the Region (SAGAR), and Indonesian Ocean Policy and Indonesia’s Global Maritime Fulcrum Vision, while reaffirming the importance of the ASEAN centrality and unity;
• Reaffirmed commitment in the field of defence, with signing of Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) between the two countries, which will further strengthen and renew the existing cooperation for mutual benefit of the two countries and the region.
• Recognizedthe importance of  Blue Economy as a driver of inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development in the region;
• Agreed to work intensively for the early conclusion of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and reiterated that it needs to be comprehensive, fair and balanced with benefit to all member states;
• Agreed to a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region to harness the opportunities and to meet the challenges together as Comprehensive Strategic Partner and agreed to the following:
  • Enhancing trade and investment cooperation
  • Promoting sustainable development of marine resources
  • Expanding cooperation in disaster risk management
  • Fostering tourism and cultural exchanges
  • Promoting maritime safety and security
  • Strengthening academic, science and technology cooperation

Prime Minister Modi addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora at the Jakarta Convention Centre in the Indonesian capita announced a free 30 day visa for Indonesian citizens and invited the diaspora to travel to their country of origin to experience the ‘New India’ and said, “not only do the names of our nations rhyme, but also there is a distinct rhythm in the India-Indonesia friendship.”