New Delhi, Mar 12: In a timely diplomatic ping amid West Asia’s oil chokehold and Hormuz tensions, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar hopped on a call with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono, swapping notes on the Iran-US flare-up rattling global energy lanes.
“Pleased to talk to FM Sugiono of Indonesia. Exchanged perspectives on the West Asia conflict. Discussed bilateral ties and agreed to hold the Joint Commission meeting at an early date,” Jaishankar posted on X, signaling steady coordination between the two Indo-Pacific heavyweights.
The chat comes as India juggles Saudi tanker breakthroughs in Mumbai and US waivers for Russian crude—Indonesia, a key ASEAN voice and oil player, shares Delhi’s stake in stable sea lanes. Expect the Joint Commission—last revved up in 2022—to fast-track trade, defence drills like Garuda Shakti, and maritime security pacts against South China Sea shadows.
From Jakarta’s palm oil flows to New Delhi’s spice routes, this rapport underscores India’s Act East push, locking in a counterweight to Beijing’s regional flex. West Asia woes on the agenda? Both nations eye de-escalation to keep the Strait humming for 20% of world oil. Strategic sync at its finest.
