India and Indonesia have agreed to deepen cooperation in biodiversity conservation, disaster management and climate resilience, with both countries backing global initiatives to protect ecosystems while enhancing collaboration on disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit to Indonesia from July 6-8.
The commitments were outlined in the joint statement issued after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as part of efforts to further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
President Prabowo acknowledged India’s leadership in biodiversity conservation and appreciated Prime Minister Modi’s initiative to establish the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). Prime Minister Modi welcomed Indonesia’s intention to join the alliance, subject to its relevant domestic procedures.
The two leaders also recognised Indonesia’s initiatives, including the World Mangrove Center (WMC) and the International Tropical Peatland Center (ITPC), noting that these reflect the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening global cooperation on biodiversity conservation, as well as the protection of mangroves and peatlands.
Recognising that both India and Indonesia are highly vulnerable to natural and man-made disasters, the leaders stressed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation in disaster management.
They welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Disaster Management between the National Disaster Management Authorities of the two countries. The agreement is aimed at enhancing cooperation through the exchange of information, experiences and best practices, capacity building and training for disaster response, recovery, mitigation and preparedness, as well as promoting the application of data for effective disaster mitigation and the development of disaster-resilient infrastructure.
The two leaders also underlined the importance of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in promoting international cooperation on disaster risk reduction and building resilience against future disasters.
