Antony to visit Indonesia for defence dialogue

"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," the Defence Ministry said in a release.

Antony is expected to hold discussions on issues of bilateral defence cooperation and regional and maritime security, it said.

Defence ties between India and Indonesia have been progressing steadily ever since the two sides signed the Agreement on Defence Cooperation in 2001.

Navies of the two countries carry out regular coordinated patrols along their international maritime boundary line and their armies also held their first-ever exercise this year.

During the visit, Antony is expected to call on President Yudhoyono and meet the Foreign Minister of Indonesia.

Antony will be accompanied by a high-level delegation which will include Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma, Vice Admiral S P S Cheema, and Director General Ordnance Factory Board S K Beri.