India and Indonesia discussed bilateral ties across multiple sectors during the fifth Joint Commission meeting co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi on Friday.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj had a tête-à-tête with Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia ahead of the India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting in Jakarta. Reaffirmed our desire to enhance partnership across all sectors. #ActEastPolicy. pic.twitter.com/fZQRahjUm3

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 5, 2018

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External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted that both the leaders “reviewed trade, energy ties, defence cooperation and people-to-people links”.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj and Ms. Retno Marsudi, Foreign Minister of Indonesia led the 5th Joint Commission Meeting between two countries. Leaders reviewed trade, energy ties, defence cooperation and people to people links. #ActEastPolicy. pic.twitter.com/1n0Bf0tiZz

— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) January 5, 2018

Earlier in the day, Sushma Swaraj arrived in Jakarta from Thailand on the second leg of her three-nation tour that will also see her going to Singapore.

EAM arrives in Jakarta to a warm welcome in Indonesian tradition. EAM will be holding JCM with her counterpart FM Retno later today! pic.twitter.com/Ar3IoJmWtQ

— India in Indonesia (@IndianEmbJkt) January 5, 2018

The visit assumes significance given India’s increasing engagements with the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc under New Delhi’s Act East Policy.

New Delhi will host a commemorative summit on January to mark the 25th anniversary of the Dialogue Partnership between India and Asean in which all the leaders of the 10 Asean nations are expected to participate.

The next day, in a unique first, all leaders will collectively attend this year’s Republic Day celebrations as chief guests.

Indonesia as one of the largest country, the most diverse democracy, and the biggest economy in ASEAN region has a critical role to play in evolution of the new security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region.

India agreed to enhance our consultations and cooperation on maritime issues including on UNCLOS with a view to strengthen rule of law and to ensure the freedom of navigation and safety of sea lanes of communication.

India also agreed to enhance education sector cooperation with Indonesia. Currently, India offers close to 150 training slots and scholarships to Indonesia.

Prior to participating in the Joint Commission meeting, Sushma Swaraj called on Indonesian Vice President Muhammad Jusuf Kalla.

EAM @SushmaSwaraj met H.E. Mr. Jusuf Kalla, Vice President of Indonesia at his office today. They discussed issues of bilateral interest. Ms. Preeti Saran, Secy(East), Ambassador Pradeep K Rawat, Mr. Vinay Kumar, JS (South ) and DCM were part of Indian delegation. @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/5yEPSzKgdg

— India in Indonesia (@IndianEmbJkt) January 5, 2018

The Indian Minister will leave for Singapore on Saturday where she will inaugurate this year’s Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas on Sunday.