India and Indonesia are likely to renew their bilateral defence cooperation agreement with enhanced features as Indonesian President Joko Widodo arrives next week and hold talks with the top leadership here.
He will be on a state visit from December 12 to 13 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
This will be the first visit of President Widodo to India after assuming power in October, 2014.
Jokowi will be accompanied by his spouse, several Cabinet Ministers, senior officials and a 22-member high-level business delegation from Indonesia, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Modi had yesterday offered all assistance to Indonesia which was hit by a powerful earthquake this week, killing nearly 100 people and causing widespread destruction.
Hundreds of houses and shops had been levelled by the quake, leaving countless people homeless and in need of basic supplies like food and water.
Joint Secretary (South) in the MEA Jaideep Mazumdar said both countries have deep cooperation in areas of trade, defence and security besides people to people ties.
He said the bilateral defence cooperation agreement is set to expire this month-end.
He said there would be an announcement to the future of this agreement during the visit.
The two navies have been carrying out Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) on respective sides of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2002, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping, international trade and legitimate marine activities.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
