India and Timor-Leste open new chapter in Diplomacy, Prime Minister Modi meets President Horta
| 2024-01-09
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on January 9, 2024.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirms India's commitment to developing a robust "Delhi-Dili" connection
In a landmark event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met with the President of Timor-Leste, Jose Ramos Horta, marking the first ever Head of State or Government level exchange between India and Timor-Leste. The meeting took place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on Monday (January 9, 2024), on the sidelines of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. It has paved the way for a strengthened partnership between the two countries.
According to an official press release, Prime Minister Modi extended a warm welcome to President Horta and his delegation, reaffirmed India's commitment to developing a robust "Delhi-Dili" connection (Dili is the capital of Timor-Leste).
Reflecting on the opening of the Indian Mission in Timor-Leste in September 2023, Prime Minister Modi expressed India's readiness to assist in capacity building, human resource development, and various sectors including IT, fintech, energy, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals.
Prime Minister Modi invited Timor-Leste to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The meeting also saw Prime Minister Modi congratulating President Horta on ASEAN's in-principle decision to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member; he expressed optimism for its attainment of full membership soon. President Horta, in turn, thanked Prime Minister Modi for the invitation to the Summit and sought India's support in meeting Timor-Leste's development priorities, particularly in healthcare and IT capacity building.
The discussions extended to regional issues and developments in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the countries' commitment to a collaborative approach in addressing global challenges. President Horta strongly supported India's bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council, highlighting the continued excellent cooperation in the multilateral arena. The leaders also emphasized the active participation of Timor-Leste in the Voice of Global South Summit, agreeing on the need for countries of the Global South to synergize their positions on global issues.
This meeting not only marks a key turning point in bilateral relations and anchors the partnership in jointly valuing democratic systems and plurality. India, being one of the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with Timor-Leste in 2002, continues to play a marked role in the nation's development journey.
The convergence of leaders at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit not only highlights Gujarat's growing significance as a global economic hub but also showcases India's expanding diplomatic and economic footprint on the world stage. As India and Timor-Leste forge ahead, their collaboration is set to unlock new avenues for mutual growth and prosperity, announcing a fresh phase in Indo-Pacific diplomatic ties.
India-Maldives Ferry Agreement Boosts Maritime Connectivity with $6.6M Grant
India funds 13 new ferry projects in Maldives to strengthen transport links and community development.
| 2025-05-19
Operation Brahma: India acts as first responder in aftermath of devastating Myanmar earthquake
India launched Operation Brahma to send humanitarian aid to Myanmar on March 29, 2025
| 2025-03-31
Operation Brahma: India acts as first responder, sends humanitarian aid to earthquake-hit Myanmar
Prime Minister Modi has conveyed his condolences at the loss of lives.
| 2025-03-29
India sends medical teams, search & rescue personnel to earthquake-hit Myanmar as part of Operation Brahma
India has been actively playing the role of First Responder in during natural disasters and calamities.
| 2025-03-29
India & ASEAN members brainstorm strategies to tackle the evolving threat of terrorism and extremism
The ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) serves as a platform for practical cooperation amongst the participating countries’ defence establishments
| 2025-03-21