The ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed the bloc’s resolve to deepen collaboration with India—a comprehensive strategic partner—in security and counter-terrorism efforts.
The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha, held significant discussions with top ASEAN officials on Wednesday in Jakarta, underlining India’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening regional security cooperation.
During a key meeting at the ASEAN Secretariat, the delegation engaged with Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, who emphatically condemned all forms of terrorism and appreciated India’s principled approach in addressing the issue. The Secretary-General reaffirmed ASEAN’s resolve to deepen collaboration with India—a comprehensive strategic partner—in security and counter-terrorism efforts.
Highlighting the importance of India-ASEAN relations, Kim Hourn lauded India’s continuous participation as an observer in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), stressing that stronger legislative and executive coordination is vital to advancing shared regional priorities. “India’s partnership with ASEAN has evolved steadily, progressing from the Look East Policy to today’s Act East vision. Our focus on Connectivity, Commerce, and Culture continues to foster cooperation and mutual progress across the region,” Jha noted in a social media post following the meeting.
The delegation’s visit comes amid India’s intensified diplomatic outreach as part of Operation Sindoor, aimed at mobilising international support against cross-border terrorism.
The delegation’s visit comes amid India’s intensified diplomatic outreach as part of Operation Sindoor, aimed at mobilising international support against cross-border terrorism. Jha and his colleagues emphasised India’s zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism and sought solidarity from the ASEAN nations in the collective fight against this global menace.
Following the ASEAN Secretariat discussions, the delegation met Arief Havas Oegroseno, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia. Jha expressed that the recent terrorist attack on innocent civilians in Pahalgam on April 22 was a blatant attempt to destabilise peace and sow division among communities. The Indonesian government unequivocally condemned the attack and pledged continued support in all international forums against terrorism.
The Indian delegation also engaged with parliamentary leaders Muhammad Husein Fadlulloh, Vice-Chairperson of the Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, and Muhammad Rofiqi, Chairperson of the Indonesia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group. The Indian representatives briefed them on India’s firm resolve against terrorism and sought to strengthen parliamentary ties. The Indonesian side reciprocated by condemning terrorism as an affront to humanity and underscored the importance of dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
“Our discussions with Indonesian parliamentary leaders reiterated a shared commitment to reject terrorism globally. Bound by democratic values and deep civilisational ties, India and Indonesia are poised to deepen parliamentary and strategic cooperation,” Jha added.
The delegation’s arrival in Jakarta follows successful diplomatic engagements in Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, where they highlighted the significance of Operation Sindoor and India’s ongoing efforts to counter cross-border terrorism.
The group includes senior Indian Parliament members from across the political spectrum: BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Hemang Joshi, and Pradan Baruah; Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee; CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Barittas; senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid; and former Indian Ambassador to France, Mohan Kumar.
Over the course of their stay in Indonesia’s capital, the delegation is set to interact with government officials, parliamentarians, political party leaders, resident ambassadors, think tanks, media representatives, and the Indian diaspora in Indonesia to further consolidate India’s diplomatic outreach.
The Indian Embassy in Jakarta emphasised India’s steadfastness in fighting terrorism in all its forms and reiterated that this outreach is a call for understanding and support from India’s historic friend and comprehensive strategic partner in the ASEAN region.
As India continues to promote peace and security in the region, the robust engagement between Indian leaders and ASEAN officials highlights a shared vision of stability and cooperation to counter terrorism and uphold democratic values.
