Dr. Jose Ramos Horta, the President of Timor-Leste, made history by engaging in the first-ever Head of State or government-level interaction between his nation and India during his visit to participate in the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.
In Gandhinagar, President Horta met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who welcomed him and his delegation, emphasizing the summit's role as a platform for mutual collaboration and economic growth.
PM Modi underscored India's commitment to fostering a vibrant "Delhi-Dili" connect, highlighting the shared values and democratic principles that form the strong foundation of the relationship between the two countries. The meeting with PM Modi was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra.
In September 2023, PM Modi had announced the opening of the Indian Mission in Timor-Leste, affirming India's dedication to enhancing ties with the Southeast Asian nation. On Tuesday, PM Modi offered assistance to Timor-Leste in various sectors, including capacity building, human resource development, IT, fintech, energy, healthcare, traditional medicine, and pharma.
PM Modi also extended invitations for Timor-Leste to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI). President Horta expressed gratitude for the invitation to participate in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and sought India's support in addressing Timor-Leste's development priorities, especially in healthcare and IT capacity building.
The discussions touched upon regional issues, with both leaders sharing their perspectives on Indo-Pacific developments. President Horta expressed strong support for India's permanent membership in the UN Security Council, highlighting the need for ongoing cooperation in the multilateral arena.
PM Modi thanked ASEAN for its in-principle decision to admit Timor-Leste as its 11th member, expressing optimism for its full membership in the near future. This recognition underscores Timor-Leste's growing regional influence and diplomatic standing.
The Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, featuring 34 partner countries and 16 partner organizations, serves as a premier showcase for investment opportunities. The summit's focus areas include industry, technology and innovation, sustainable manufacturing, green hydrogen, electric mobility, renewable energy, and the transition towards sustainability.
Source: https://ddnews.gov.in/national/timor-leste-presidents-landmark-visit-india-strengthens-bilateral-tie