President Prabowo and PM Modi Strengthen Cooperation to Fight Terrorism and Transnational Crime

President Prabowo Subianto and PM Narendra Modi agreed on security cooperation for both countries. (Photo: Cahyo - Presidential Secretariat Press Office)

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia and India agreed to strengthen security cooperation, including combating terrorism and transnational crime. The agreement was discussed during a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday, July 7.

Prabowo said the discussion with Modi was intensive, productive, and forward-looking. A number of strategic issues of mutual interest were discussed.

"Prime Minister Modi and I have had an intensive and very productive meeting, which is forward-looking on a number of strategic issues of mutual interest to both countries," said Prabowo.

In the political field, both countries agreed to expand partnerships through increased high-level visits, coordination of bilateral consultations, and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation. This cooperation also includes think tanks and newly formed Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

However, the agenda that is more difficult is in the security sector. Prabowo reiterated Indonesia's and India's commitment to strengthening cooperation in combating terrorism.

"We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism," said Prabowo.

According to Prabowo, the two countries also agreed to increase security cooperation through the third India-Indonesia Security Dialogue. The forum is an important channel to discuss the ever-changing security challenges.

Prabowo said that cross-border security threats were increasing. Therefore, Indonesia and India will deepen capacity development in the fields of new technology, cross-border crime prevention, and digital infrastructure development.

"As the challenges of cross-country security issues increase, we are committed to deepening capacity development in the areas of new technology, cross-country crime prevention, and the development of digital infrastructure," said Prabowo.

Transnational crime encompasses a wide range of threats that transcend territorial boundaries, ranging from terrorism, cybercrime, smuggling, human trafficking, to criminal networks that exploit technology.

Regarding this, Indonesia and India's cooperation is not only based on traditional defense. The two also enter into new technology and digital infrastructure issues, two areas that are now often the gateway to modern security threats.

Prabowo also said that Indonesia and India continue to support dialogue, diplomacy, and international law as a means of peacefully resolving conflicts, including in the Middle East region.

In the Indo-Pacific region, Prabowo emphasized that both countries are committed to realizing a region that is free, open, transparent, and based on international law, while upholding the centrality of ASEAN.

"We are the two largest democracies in the world. India is now the country with the largest population in the world, while Indonesia is in fourth place. Therefore, cooperation between the two of us will definitely bring benefits to the region," said Prabowo.