India and Indonesia, among the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement and two of the world’s emerging economies, Friday held talks to map the way forward for deepening strategic ties and voiced optimism about achieving bilateral trade target of $25 billion by 2015.
External Affairs Minister SM Krishna held talks with his Indonesian counterpart Marty M Natalegawa on a wide range of issues.
Reuters
The two ministers discussed ways to expand cooperation in diverse areas, including energy, oil and gas, defence, counter-terrorism, agriculture, science and technology, education and culture.
“Indonesia is an important partner for us in our Look East policy. Our trade has expanded rapidly and has now touched $20 billion,” Krishna said at a joint press conference with his Indonesian counterpart.
“We are confident of achieving the target of $ 25 billion set for 2015. Indian investment in Indonesia is rising,” he said.
The talks has set the stage for the visit of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to India for the India-ASEAN commemorative summit New Delhi will be hosting in December.
Underlining growing ties between India and the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Yudhoyono was the chief guest at India’s January 26 Republic Day parade last year.
IANS
