In a big boost to New Delhi’s “Look East” policy, India and Indonesia are set to ink around three dozen agreements, including an extradition treaty, and seal business deals worth $15 billion after the leaders of the two countries hold talks here Tuesday.
Accompanied by senior ministers and a 140-strong business delegation, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono arrived here on Monday on a three-day visit that aims at taking burgeoning bilateral trade and investment to new heights. He is also the chief guest at the Republic Day parade on Wednesday.
Mr Yudhoyono will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday morning before he joins Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for delegation-level talks.
The two sides are expected to sign a record 34 agreements after the wide-ranging talks. The accords will include an extradition treaty and expanding cooperation in combating terror, money laundering and exchange of information on criminal activities. Agreements dealing with economic cooperation, science and technology as well as culture and education will also be signed. Economic diplomacy will be the centrepiece. Indian firms are set to unveil new investments in infrastructure, natural resources, manufacturing and services in the country. —IANS