India, Indonesia condemn all forms of terrorism

India and Indonesia on Friday condemned all forms of terrorism at the 5th Joint Commission meeting between the two countries.

Addressing a joint press conference with Foreign Minister of Indonesia Retno Marsudi; External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "We unequivocally condemned terrorism in all its forms. We expressed our strong opposition to any selective approach to deal with this group of menace and called upon all the countries to stop providing state sponsorship to terrorism and prevent their territories to stop being used for establishing terrorist safe havens."

Earlier the two leaders reviewed trade, energy ties, defence cooperation and people to people links in the meeting.

Swaraj termed India and Indonesia as natural partners in peace and prosperity.

"We are the two major countries in the Indo-Pacific region, which is the most dynamic regions in the world. We agree to develop synergic relationship to harness the potential of Indo-Pacific region and to meet the challenges that the region faces," Swaraj said.

She added Indonesia has a critical role to play in evolution of the security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region.

Swaraj also expressed importance of addressing the higher trade deficit India has with Indonesia.

"The best way to address this issue is not to restrict trade but to increase it. We agreed to work together for a balanced and sustainable trade by providing greater market access both in goods and services," Swaraj said.

India also promised to continue skill development assistance to Indonesia in the form of short term training programme and scholarship.

Swaraj also appreciated that Indonesian President Joko Widodo has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's invitation to join the ASEAN Special Commemorative Summit as Guest of Honour at India's Republic Day celebrations along with other ASEAN heads of states.

Swaraj along with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi will jointly inaugurate ASEAN-India Think Tanks' Forum meeting tomorrow.