The 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting convened in New Delhi, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia, Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto, M.D.S.
The meeting, held on May 3rd, 2024, marked another significant milestone in the growing partnership between the two nations, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding and deepening defence cooperation.
During the meeting, both co-chairs expressed satisfaction at the expanding scope of defence cooperation between India and Indonesia. They reviewed the progress made on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives, which were previously discussed in meetings of Working Groups on Defence Cooperation and Defence Industries Cooperation.
The fruitful deliberations underscored the shared commitment of both nations to further enhancing their defence ties.
A key focus of the discussions was on identifying means to enhance existing areas of collaboration, with particular emphasis on defence industry ties, maritime security, and multilateral cooperation.
Both sides recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation in these critical areas to address common security challenges and contribute to regional stability.
As part of his visit to India, Secretary General Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto, M.D.S., also had the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders in India’s defence industry.
He visited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) headquarters in New Delhi, as well as facilities of prominent Indian defence firms such as TATA Advanced Systems and L&T Defence in Pune. These interactions provided valuable insights into India’s defence industrial capabilities and potential areas for collaboration.
During his engagements with Indian defence industry partners, including Bharat Forge, Mahindra Defence, and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Secretary General Taufanto discussed ways to enhance defence industrial capabilities through cooperation in research and joint production.
These discussions underscored the mutual interest of both countries in leveraging each other’s strengths to bolster their respective defence industries.
Additionally, Secretary General Taufanto paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, reaffirming the deep bonds of camaraderie and respect shared between the armed forces of India and Indonesia.
India and Indonesia share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and a common vision for the Indo-Pacific region.
Their partnership is characterized by close cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral arenas, with frequent high-level interactions.
Indonesia holds a strategic position in India’s Act East Policy and plays a crucial role in advancing shared objectives of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
The 7th JDCC meeting served as a testament to the strong and enduring ties between India and Indonesia, as they continue to collaborate closely to address regional challenges and promote mutual interests in the dynamic Indo-Pacific landscape.
