Jakarta, Indonesia, July 7 (ANI): In a significant move to strengthen regional maritime infrastructure, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has welcomed India’s interest in partnering on the integrated development of Sabang Port.
According to a joint statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto, the flagship project is expected to include cruise and marine tourism facilities, maritime industries such as shipbuilding and ship repair, and shore-based services supporting offshore energy activities in the Andaman Sea.
Both leaders said the partnership would enhance institutional, physical, and digital connectivity, facilitating the movement of people and goods between India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Indonesia’s Sumatra Island while creating jobs and promoting shared regional prosperity.
Authorities from both countries have been encouraged to finalize the project’s scope, implementation modalities, and financing in a timely and mutually beneficial manner.
Beyond port development, India and Indonesia also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening regional connectivity. The leaders emphasized the importance of expanding air and maritime links and expressed optimism about the third Joint Task Force Meeting on Andaman-Aceh Connectivity, scheduled for the second half of 2026, to expedite implementation of the agreed action plan.
The bilateral agenda also recorded significant progress in digital and scientific cooperation. The leaders welcomed the launch of the Indonesia Open Network (ION), which uses India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) architecture to support Indonesian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
In addition, work is progressing on a cross-border QR payment linkage between the Reserve Bank of India and Bank Indonesia to improve transaction efficiency for students, tourists, and small businesses. The two sides also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on telecommunications technologies and services to support digital transformation.
Scientific collaboration has also advanced, with the leaders noting the inaugural Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology held on Aug. 12, 2025, and the signing of an MoU on research, technology, and innovation cooperation.
Space cooperation remains a key pillar of the bilateral relationship. The leaders highlighted the successful sixth Joint Commission Meeting on Outer Space Cooperation, held in Bengaluru in June, and the extension of their framework agreement on the peaceful exploration of outer space.
Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s support of India’s satellite programs and the Gaganyaan mission, while President Subianto welcomed the possibility of broader collaboration on Indonesia’s spaceport project.
The two countries are also continuing discussions on cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, with a focus on research, safety, and industrial applications in medicine, agriculture, and water management. (ANI)
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