India seeks to tap into the success of its ties with Indonesia in order to forge a stronger alliance that will further foster the phenomenon of the “Asian awakening”.

The twin forces of Indonesia and India, which once played a large role in influencing the geopolitical scene of the 20th century, need to be harnessed once again as the two countries celebrate their respective independence days and long-standing partnership almost in concert, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Nengcha Lhouvum said.

“It is due to the courage and idealism, vision and wisdom of our founding fathers that we are standing here today, two countries united in their diversity, that celebrate every day their multicultural, multiethnic, multireligions and multilingual heritage; two of the world’s largest democracies [...] — in short, two nations still in step seven decades after independence,” Lhouvum said at India’s Independence Day reception in Jakarta on Monday.

She added both countries must reach deep into the legacy of their founding fathers to “collaborate, innovate and advance together” for the realization of national and global interests with an emphasis on harnessing technology and resources, as well as ensuring peace and stability.

Besides marking their independence days just two days apart, Indonesia and India have a long-standing history going back to their respective freedom struggles. Both nations were also frontrunners of the Non-Alignment Movement founded during the Cold War.

Following up on Lhouvum’s speech, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi acknowledged Indonesia’s strong economic relations with India and promising “strengthened relations in the years to come”.

According to data from the Trade Ministry, the two countries posted US$14.42 billion in trade, with a $8.99 billion surplus on Indonesia’s end — the largest trade surplus between two countries. The bulk of Indonesia’s exports are palm oil and coal.

Budi also acts as a liaison with India, one of Indonesia’s strategic partners. Indian Ambassador to ASEAN Suresh K. Reddy also attended the event.

Popular

Indonesian Muslim groups rally behind Iran amid escalating war

Details on gasoline, diesel rationing remain elusive

Witnesses, activists in Andrie case subject to threats