Thursday, Apr 04, 2002
Thursday, Apr 04, 2002 |
| National | ||
|
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | National
By Atul Aneja
The Indonesian President, Megawati Sukarnoputri, shakes hands with the First Lady, Usha Narayanan, during the ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Wednesday. The President, K.R. Narayanan, and the Prime Minister, A.B. Vajpayee, are also seen. — Photo: V. Sudershan
Rolling out the red carpet before the visiting Indonesian President, Megawati Sukarnoputri, India today said that its relationship with Indonesia was the key to its larger engagement with the ASEAN grouping, the anchor of stability and growth in South-East Asia. Declaring the centrality of Indonesia in the Indo-ASEAN equation, the President, K.R Narayanan, at a banquet held in honour of the visiting dignitary said, ``ASEAN-India relations can mature only when India has the goodwill and co-operation of ASEAN's largest member-country.'' Ms. Sukarnoputri held talks with the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, later in the evening. India allayed fears in Jakarta by publicly rejecting forces of secession in Indonesia. ``India fully supports the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Indonesia,'' Mr. Narayanan said. This formulation assumes importance as concern has been expressed in Indonesia about the possibility of rebels in the vicinity of the country's energy hub of Aceh finding support in India. Aceh is 45 km off the Nicobar islands. Both countries have expressed support for democracy and rejected terrorism in all forms. India, especially, has been of the view that terrorism cannot be justified on any basis, including ``freedom struggles.'' Endorsing such a perception, Ms. Sukarnoputri, in an address at the Rajiv Gandhi foundation this evening, said, ``whatever the reason is, we cannot justify a terrorist act, let alone accept it.'' Analysts say that Indonesia's views on terrorism assume special importance. Indonesia, they point out, is the largest Islamic nation in the world. Its endorsement of the principles of democracy, tolerance and pluralism and condemnation of terrorism can seriously discourage the rise of extremism not only within Indonesia but also in major geographical zones across the globe. Building on their common intellectual foundation on nation-building, India and Indonesia are looking at co-operation in the sphere of energy. According to Government sources, India is studying the possibility of acquiring natural gas from Indonesia across an under-sea pipeline from Aceh to the Nicobar islands. Addressing a joint meeting sponsored by the FICCI and the CII, Ms. Sukarnoputri said Indonesia would be keen to supply oil and gas to India. Indonesia is also looking at tie-ups in the information technology and railway sectors. Sources point out that India's future relationship with Indonesia is likely to be based on a common understanding of the rapidly evolving geo-political situation in South-East Asia. Not surprisingly, India has already consulted Indonesia about its decision to undertake joint patrolling of the Malacca straits with U.S. Ms. Sukarnoputri has also recently visited the U.S. where this topic was reportedly discussed.
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
The Hindu Group: Home | About Us | Copyright | Archives | Contacts | Subscription Group Sites: The Hindu | Business Line | The Sportstar | Frontline | Home |
Copyright © 2002, The
Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of
this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of
The Hindu
|