On November 17, 2023, as part of his two-day visit to Indonesia, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a significant bilateral meeting with Rear Admiral Prof Dr Donaciano Do Rosario Da Costa Gomes, the Minister of Defence of Timor-Leste in Jakarta. During this meeting, Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to supporting the developmental needs of Timor-Leste, with a particular focus on the defense sector. The discussions between the two ministers also delved into potential avenues for future collaboration, including the supply of Made-in-India defense equipment and initiatives aimed at capacity building and training.
Timor-Leste’s Defence Minister extended a warm welcome to India’s decision to establish an Embassy in Timor-Leste and expressed his ministry’s readiness to offer support for this significant diplomatic move. He also conveyed his gratitude to Minister Rajnath Singh for India’s steadfast support in Timor-Leste’s aspirations to become a full-fledged member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Subsequently, Minister Rajnath Singh engaged with the diverse and vibrant Indian community in Jakarta, comprising leaders and members of various Indian organizations residing in the country. In his interaction, he lauded their deep-rooted and close ties with India, recognizing their invaluable role as cultural ambassadors. Minister Singh also seized the opportunity to highlight several achievements of the Government of India over the past decade. These accomplishments included transformative initiatives like Digital India, the New Education Policy, women’s empowerment, Jal Jeevan Abhiyaan (Water for All), rural road connectivity, and the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin (Rural Housing Scheme).
As a testament to his spiritual connection, Minister Rajnath Singh paid a visit to the Shiva Temple at Pluit, Jakarta, where he offered his prayers, underscoring the cultural and spiritual bonds that unite India and Indonesia.
This engagement followed Minister Rajnath Singh’s participation in the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus on November 16, 2023, reaffirming India’s commitment to regional security and cooperation in Southeast Asia.
