India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a series of agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in technology, education, startups and space research, with one of the key announcements being the establishment of a campus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) in Indonesia.The agreements were announced after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during the Prime Minister’s official visit to Jakarta. Both sides said the partnership will focus on emerging technologies while creating more opportunities for young people in the two countries.
Focus on AI, digital infrastructure and startups
Addressing a joint press conference with President Prabowo, Prime Minister Modi said the two countries are looking to build on their demographic strengths by expanding cooperation in technology.“We will also share best practices regarding sustainable farming and agro-technology. The 21st century is driven by technology. Both India and Indonesia are nations brimming with youthful energy, and our youth possess a natural aptitude for technology,” the Prime Minister said, ANI reports.He said the two countries had signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, telecommunications and digital public infrastructure.“Today, we have signed a significant agreement to enhance technological cooperation among our youth in areas such as AI, telecommunications, and digital public infrastructure. We have also agreed to deepen startup collaboration between our two nations,” PM Modi said.
IIM Bangalore campus for ASEAN region
One of the announcements made during the visit was the decision to establish a campus of IIM Bangalore in Indonesia.The Prime Minister said the campus would not only benefit students in Indonesia but also serve learners from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.“We are going to establish a campus of India’s prestigious management institute, IIM Bangalore, in Indonesia; this will greatly benefit the youth across the entire ASEAN region,” he said.The move comes as India continues to expand the international presence of its higher education institutions while strengthening educational partnerships with countries in Southeast Asia.
Space cooperation expands
India and Indonesia also agreed to deepen cooperation in the space sector.Highlighting the long-standing partnership between the two countries, Prime Minister Modi said the latest agreements include joint research, technology sharing and capacity building.“We have shared a trusted, decades-long partnership in the space sector as well. Building upon this, key decisions regarding joint research, technology sharing, and capacity building in the space sector have been taken today,” he said, ANI reports.
Ceremonial welcome in Jakarta
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Jakarta as he began the Indonesia leg of his three-nation tour.Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto welcomed the Prime Minister with a Guard of Honour, horse-mounted escorts and traditional cultural performances. The two leaders greeted each other with a hug before holding delegation-level talks.
Visit part of broader Indo-Pacific outreach
Before leaving for the visit, Prime Minister Modi said the Indonesia tour, followed by visits to Australia and New Zealand, would strengthen India’s engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.“My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said, according to ANI.Apart from official meetings, the PM is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora during his visit.He will also accompany President Prabowo to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, a site that PM Modi has previously described as reflecting the civilisational links between India and Indonesia.The Indonesia visit is the first leg of the Prime Minister’s three-nation tour. He will travel to Australia and New Zealand after concluding his engagements in the country.
