Delegation level talks between India, Indonesia underway

Delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo are underway at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

Prime Minister Modi began his first official engagement in Indonesia by laying a wreath at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery and was then accorded a ceremonial guard of honour at the Istana Merdeka.

Following the talks, both the leaders will give a joint statement and exchange of agreements will take place.

Prime Minister Modi and President Widodo will later inaugurate the kite exhibition at the National Monument and visit the Arjuna's Chariot. After this, the two leaders will pay a visit to Istiqlal Mosque.

Prime Minister Modi will then address an Indian community event at the Jakarta Convention Centre.

Further, Prime Minister Modi and President Widodo will attend the India-Indonesia CEO Forum.

Finally, a banquet will be hosted by the Indonesian President in honour of Prime Minister Modi, before the latter leaves for Malaysia and Singapore respectively.

Both India and Indonesia have warm and cordial bilateral relations. The two countries also share close cultural ties as well.

India and Indonesia are among the largest democracies in the world. Both are member states of the G-20, the E7 (countries), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the United Nations (UN) respectively.

Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia was worth nearly USD 15 billion between January and October 2017, with Indonesia's surplus at USD 8.3 billion, according to Jakarta Globe.