Russia and Indonesia hold talks to strengthen ties on defence and security
The Hindu
Russia and Indonesia strengthen defense ties amid Moscow's war on Ukraine, discussing deepening partnership and regional cooperation.
Russia and Indonesia took steps on Tuesday (February 25, 2025) to strengthen their defence ties with a meeting between a top Russian security official and Indonesia’s Defence Minister in the capital of Jakarta as Moscow's war on Ukraine entered its fourth year.
Ahead of the visit by Sergei Shoigu, secretary of the Russian Federation Security Council, the Russian news agency RIA Novosti said he would discuss ways to deepen a defense partnership with Indonesia’s Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The two officials would also discuss "cooperation in other areas of mutual interest,” the agency said, citing a Russian government statement.
Mr. Shoigu's visit, the first stop in a five-day Asia tour that also includes Malaysia, comes after Indonesia — the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country and Southeast Asia’s largest economy — was admitted as full member to the BRICS bloc of developing economies, an alliance where Russia is one of the founding members.
Indonesian officials said ahead of Mr. Shoigu’s arrival that the sides would exchange views on international and regional issues as Russia hopes to deepen its defence engagement with Southeast Asia countries.
Mr. Shoigu will also pay a courtesy call on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto before departing for Malaysia on Wednesday.
Mr. Shoigu declined to comment to the media after his meeting with Sjamsoeddin.
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