Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono arrives in Delhi for Joint Commission Meeting

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, June 7 (IANS) Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono arrived in New Delhi early on Sunday for the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting.

Extending a warm welcome to the visiting Foreign Minister, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, “FM Sugiono and EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar are to co-chair the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting. The two Ministers will review the robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between our countries and discuss ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation.”

The 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting is expected to provide a platform for both nations to review the progress of the bilateral cooperation.

A Joint Commission Mechanism (JCM) was established at the level of the Foreign Ministers following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in January 2001.

The 7th JCM took place on June 17, 2022, in New Delhi and was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and former Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, according to a statement from the Consulate General of India in Bali.

Earlier on May 14, EAM Jaishankar held a meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono and reviewed progress on the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and ASEAN cooperation.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting being held in Delhi. EAM Jaishankar will chair the meeting on Thursday.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar said, “Glad to welcome FM Sugiono of Indonesia. Reviewed the progress of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and our cooperation with ASEAN.”

In January 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in New Delhi for a State Visit, during which he also attended the 76th Republic Day celebrations in India as the Chief Guest. This coincided with the 75th Anniversary of India-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations.

Both nations elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018 during Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta. Both countries also welcomed the adoption of the ‘Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia’, which has led to further deepening of the bilateral relations in the defence sector.

–IANS

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Disaster is directly linked to climate change: Amit Shah

New Delhi, March 25 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the Disaster Management Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. During the discussion, the Home Minister emphasised that disasters are directly linked to climate change and stressed the need for proactive measures to mitigate its impact.

“The best way to prevent disasters is to address climate change,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by several MPs about the Bill undermining the federal structure, the Home Minister clarified that the amendments do not centralise power. Instead, they enhance disaster management capabilities at the district level.

“This Bill does not infringe on the federal structure. The primary responsibility for disaster management lies with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which operates under the state government,” he said.

He further highlighted that funds for disaster response would also be allocated at the state and district levels, ensuring a decentralised approach.

Refuting allegations of bias, the Home Minister said, “If there was bias, it would be due to the law made by the UPA government in 2005. We have not changed that framework. In fact, we have provided states with more financial assistance than what the Finance Commission recommended.”

The Home Minister said that disaster management is a shared responsibility between the Centre and the states. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-point agenda on disaster risk reduction has been accepted by over 40 countries. This is not just the Centre’s responsibility, it involves state governments, local bodies, and every citizen,” he said.

Drawing on India’s ancient traditions, the Home Minister said, “Our concern for climate preservation is not new. From the Yajurveda’s prayers for universal peace to the advanced disaster management practices seen in the Harappan and Mauryan civilisations, India has always recognised the relationship between humanity and nature.”

The Home Minister also asserted that while traditional knowledge remains valuable, modern scientific approaches and global best practices must also be adopted. “This amendment reflects that balance,” he added.

Earlier, participating in the debate, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Neeraj Dangi criticised the proposed amendments, saying, “This Bill weakens federalism, ignores the expectations of local communities, and lacks a comprehensive approach to disaster risk management, including climate change adaptation and animal welfare.”

–IANS

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In difficult times, there is India, willing to help different parties: Jaishankar in Spain

Madrid, Jan 14 (IANS) External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasised India’s growing global stature and its ability to provide meaningful assistance during challenging times.

Addressing the Indian diaspora during his visit to Spain, Jaishankar remarked that India-Spain relations are on the cusp of significant advancement.

Speaking about his engagement with Spain’s diplomatic community, Jaishankar shared that he was invited by Spain’s Foreign Minister to address the country’s ambassadors at a global conference.

“It is the first time that a foreign ambassador was invited to address the global ambassadors of Spain,” he said.

Highlighting India’s rising influence, he added, “When a foreign ministry and ambassadors of another country ask you to come and speak to them, it’s worth thinking why. India’s positioning today is very important. Seeing the situation of the world today, all countries think that having good ties with India is in their interest.”

The External Affairs Minister described India as a “new India,” recognised globally for its economic strength and leadership.

“Today, we are the fifth-largest economy, poised to be the third-largest. The world knows us because of our positioning, capabilities, and ideas. India is seen today as contributing to global conversations,” he said.

He underlined India’s unique ability to engage with diverse nations.

“There are very few countries in a position to talk to Russia and Ukraine; Israel and Iran; being members of Quad and BRICS. PM Modi is able to do both,” he remarked, adding that India’s approach to global challenges is guided by the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,” which the world has come to value and understand.

Jaishankar noted India’s efforts in advocating for Africa’s inclusion in the G20 and reflected on the country’s role during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“If you go around the world, there are 100 countries that say, ‘If we got our vaccine, it was because of India.’ I remember President Sanchez calling PM Modi for Hydroxychloroquine supply,” he said.

He stressed India’s willingness to help others in need, stating, “In difficult times, there is a country named India, willing to talk to and help different parties. It’s not about money or resources but about heart and mind –having the ability, thinking, and credibility to act as a bridge.”

Turning to trade, Jaishankar highlighted the strong economic ties between India and Spain, with bilateral trade currently valued at 10 billion euros annually.

“There is a possibility that it will increase,” he said, mentioning new areas of collaboration such as railways, automobiles, clean technologies, and space.

“The global situation is unstable in present times. In such times, countries close to each other, who feel that supply chains and relationships can be built and expanded, will forge closer ties. The estimate of 10 billion euros might increase in the future,” he added.

Acknowledging the contributions of the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar shared his appreciation for their role in strengthening India’s foreign policy.

“Minister Albares asked me what I was doing, and I told him I was meeting the Indian community members. I heard very good words about the community… It’s something I hear across the world, and every time, I feel good. So I want to thank all of you,” he said.

He recalled the recently concluded Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, congratulated winners from Spain, and expressed gratitude for their efforts in building and reinforcing India’s global standing.

On people-to-people ties, Jaishankar announced that a Spanish consulate would soon be established in Bengaluru, calling it a “good sign” for deepening India-Spain relations. He noted, “Business is becoming bigger.”

Looking ahead, Jaishankar revealed plans for 2026 to be marked as a “dual year” celebrating culture, artificial intelligence, and tourism in both countries. “It will have a long-term good impact on ties,” he concluded.

–IANS

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