The leaders of Indonesia and India pledged greater maritime cooperation Monday, as Asia's two largest democracies sought to counter China's rising influence in the region.
On his first ever visit to India, Indonesian President Joko Widodo met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi where both stressed the need for freedom of navigation rights and urged peaceful resolution in the disputed South China Sea.
"As strategic partners and maritime neighbours, the two leaders emphasised the importance of further consolidating the security and defence cooperation," a joint statement said.
"Regarding the South China Sea, the two sides stressed the importance of resolving disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law."
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