New Delhi, India – Amid ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto have emphasized the vital need for peace, stability, and security in the region. The leaders, who recently held bilateral discussions, have jointly called for the resolution of disputes in accordance with international laws, specifically referencing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
During their meeting, Modi and Subianto reiterated their commitment to promoting maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and the unobstructed flow of maritime commerce. They underscored the importance of lawful uses of the sea, advocating for peaceful solutions to conflicts that align with universally acknowledged legal frameworks.
The two leaders also backed the complete and earnest implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). They expressed hope for the swift formation of a substantial and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that would conform with the stipulations of the 1982 UNCLOS.
In terms of regional security, Modi and Subianto pledged continued cooperation on the safety of navigation in the critical straits of Malacca and Singapore, known as SOMS. This cooperation is anticipated to bolster unhindered economic development in the area.
Following their discussions, a formal agreement was reached regarding defense cooperation. Both parties welcomed the ratification of the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), seeing it as a step towards deeper defense relations between their countries. They consented to arrange a forthcoming meeting of their defense ministers to discuss the practical aspects of implementing the DCA.
India has expressed its readiness to support Indonesia’s defense modernization efforts, emphasizing shared experience and expertise. Furthermore, both nations strongly condemned terrorism in every form and reiterated their dedication to intensifying bilateral and multilateral initiatives aimed at combating the global terrorist threat.
Another focal point of their agreement was the necessity for international collaboration in combating terrorism. This includes stepping up efforts to halt terror financing and the recruitment of terrorists, urging countries globally to collectively deny refuge and resources to terrorist groups, in compliance with international strategies and mandates.
Lastly, recognizing the evolving landscape of security challenges, India and Indonesia are set to collaborate in preventing the spread of online radicalization and fortifying mechanisms to counter extremist ideologies.
The contents of this article have been automatically generated by OpenAI and may contain factually incorrect information. Readers are advised to verify details independently. Requests for corrections or removals should be directed to [email protected].