Indian influence in Indonesia

Senior Indian officials have visited Indonesia to look at means of boosting connectivity between the former country’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the latter’s Sumatra island — less than two months after a trip to Indonesia by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw India agree to develop Indonesia’s Sabang port.

The visit occurred less than two months after a trip to Indonesia by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi saw India agree to develop Indonesia’s Sabang port (image is of Sabang) Photo: MrTopper007/flickr/CC BY 2.0

According to The Times of India, the officials’ visit saw an investment forum take place in the Indonesian city of Banda Aceh between the two countries, with the forum including Indian firms based in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and officials from the Andaman & Nicobar Administration.

The Times of India said that India will work to develop basic infrastructure in the area, while both nations are looking at sea transportation, tourism and air transport connectivity to facilitate India–Indonesia trade.

The newspaper also said that Indonesian officials at the meeting said that “the authorities would facilitate Indian investments in the region and trade relations with India”.

Following the visit of Mr Modi, President of Indonesia Joko Widodo had told a news conference: “India is a strategic defence partner … and we will continue to advance our co-operation in developing infrastructure, including at Sabang island and the Andaman Islands.”

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