New Delhi: Defence Minister A K Antony will embark on a three-day visit to Indonesia, beginning Monday, 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 Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to India in January last year. Defence ties between India and Indonesia have been progressing steadily ever since the two sides signed an agreement on defence cooperation in 2001. The Indian Navy and the Indonesian Navy regularly carry out coordinated patrols along the International Maritime Boundary Line. 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, Antony is also expected to call on Yudhoyono and meet the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, defence spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said.
During these interactions, he is expected to hold discussions on issues of bilateral defence cooperation and regional and maritime security issues. Antony will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma, CISC Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, C-in-C Andaman & Nicobar Command Lt Gen NC Marwah and DG Ordnance Factory Board S K Beri. (UNI)