Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned the recent terror attacks in Indonesia that led to the deaths of at least 13 people and said “India stands resolutely with Indonesia in the fight against terror”. He is on the first leg of his five-day tour of Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
“India and Indonesia are friendly maritime neighbours with deep civilisational links,” Modi said in a tweet soon after landing in Jakarta on Tuesday. “This visit will further the convergence of our political, economic and strategic interests.”
Modi thanked Indonesian President Joko Widodo for welcoming him on his first visit to Indonesia. “The India-Association of South East Asian Nations partnership is such an important power that can become a guarantee of peace not only in Indo-Pacific region but also beyond it,” Modi said.
“For the development of Indo-Pacific region, we [India and Indonesia] have agreed to the same shared vision,” he added. “India’s Act East Policy and the vision of SAGAR [Security and Growth for All in the Region] matches President Widodo’s Maritime Fulcrum Policy.”
On Wednesday, Modi and Widodo signed 15 memorandums of understanding in fields such as defence, scientific and technological cooperation, railways and health. Modi also visited the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery and the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.
While addressing a gathering of the Indian diaspora in Jakarta, Modi announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens and invited Indians in Indonesia to travel to their country of origin to experience the “New India”, reported PTI. “Many of you may never have been to India,” he said. “I invite you all to come to India for the Kumbh in Prayag next year.”
He said the government has been making India ready “according to the needs and expectations of the 21st century.” “We have gone a step ahead of ease of doing business,” Modi said. “Our focus is “Ease of Living”.”
Modi added that his first priority as prime minister was to make India corruption-free, citizen-centric and development-friendly.
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