The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony will embark on a three-day visit to Indonesia, beginning Monday (15 Oct 2012), to take part in the first Ministerial level biennial defence dialogue between the two countries.
The defence dialogue mechanism at the highest level was agreed upon during the visit of Indonesian President SusiloBambangYudhoyono to India in January last year.
The defence ties between India and Indonesia have been progressing steadily ever since the two sides signed the Agreement on Defence Cooperation in the year 2001. The Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy regularly carry out Coordinated Patrols along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). The Armies of the two countries held the first ever joint exercise in India this year. There are regular training interactions between the Armed Forces of the two countries.
Besides meeting the Minister of Defence of Indonesia, Shri Antony is also expected to call on President Yudhoyono and meet the Foreign Minister of Indonesia. During these interactions, he is expected to hold discussions on issues of bilateral defence cooperation and regional and maritime security issues.
Shri Antony will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Defence Secretary Shri Shashikant Sharma, CISC Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, C-in-C Andaman & Nicobar Command Lt Gen NC Marwah and DG Ordnance Factory Board Shri SK Beri.
The Defence Minister will return home on Wednesday (17 Oct 2012).