PM Modi leaves for Australia after Indonesia visit, will talk to Indian community in Melbourne

PM signs 14 agreements on Indonesia visit

Jakarta. Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for Australia on Wednesday after completing his three-day visit to Indonesia. During this visit, he signed 14 agreements to enhance cooperation in critical minerals, maritime security and other key areas. During the visit, Modi held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The President himself came to see him off at the airport.

The two leaders stressed the importance of a deep bilateral partnership for a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region. He also demanded adopting a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism and taking action against globally banned terrorists.

Both sides signed 14 agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in several areas. These include sectors such as critical minerals and steel supply chains, maritime security, medicines, education, space, research and innovation, telecommunications and food security. This will further strengthen relations amid the changing geopolitical situation.

In another important step, India and Indonesia agreed to jointly develop the strategically important Sabang Port. The port is located near the Strait of Malacca and about 100 miles away from India’s Great Nicobar Port Project.

Modi had reached Jakarta on Monday where he was given a grand welcome. This was the first leg of his three-nation tour. This also includes Australia and New Zealand. Modi will visit Melbourne from July 8 to 10 at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

My visit will further strengthen our comprehensive strategic partnership, and in talks with Prime Minister Albanese I will look forward to furthering our relationship in the areas of defense and security, trade and investment, education and mobility, and people-to-people ties, he said in a statement at the time of his departure. Modi said that in Melbourne he will interact with the people of the Indian community, which is an important pillar of this strategic partnership.

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