President Murmu’s visit to Timor-Leste: Delhi-Dilli diplomacy moves into high gear

President Droupadi Murmu’s maiden visit to Timor-Leste, the first state visit by an Indian head of state, has imparted a fresh momentum to India’s Act East Policy and deepened the Delhi-Dili connect in areas ranging from trade and investment to IT and education.

The presidential visit to Timor-Leste took place against the backdrop of China’s growing ambitions in the region and underscored the importance of diplomatic outreach to the country which will soon be 11^th ASEAN member.

The wide-ranging talks between President Murmu and President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão focused on enhancing cooperation in IT, fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and capacity building. India’s expertise in these fields can significantly contribute to Timor-Leste’s development objectives, particularly as the country navigates its post-independence growth phase.

The signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on cultural exchanges, collaboration between Prasar Bharati and Timor-Leste Radio & Television (RTTL), and visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders reflects a shared commitment to fostering deeper cultural and institutional links.

Speaking to India Writes Network from Jakarta, India’s Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty underlined that Timor-Leste’s anticipated entry into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by 2025 further elevates its importance. “For India, this presents a valuable opportunity to bolster its Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific Strategy,” said the envoy. Alluding to the Indian government’s plan to open a Resident Mission in Dili by September 2024, the envoy underscored not only India’s commitment to deepening engagement with Timor-Leste, but it also aligns with India’s broader strategy to strengthen its foothold in Southeast Asia and enhance its influence in the region.

Enhancing development cooperation featured prominently in talks. The discussions included the potential for Timor-Leste to join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure — the two institutions headquartered in India. These initiatives align with global sustainability goals and present an opportunity for Timor-Leste to benefit from India’s expertise in renewable energy and disaster resilience.

In the realm of education, there is burgeoning interest in increasing medical education opportunities and Indian students pursuing studies in Timor-Leste. Going forward, one can expect educational collaboration to grow, which is crucial for knowledge transfer and capacity building.

President Murmu’s interactions with the Indian community in Timor-Leste and her participation in the “Horta Show” hosted by President Horta, a 1996 Nobel Peace laureate, underscored cultural ties and mutual regard that animate India-TL ties. Special gestures such as President Horta personally receiving President Murmu at the airport and conferring the Grand-Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the highest civilian honour, upon her have imparted a new resonance to India-Timor-Leste ties.

This honor, recognizing President Murmu’s contributions to public service and women’s empowerment, reflects the shared values and commitment to global peace and prosperity.

The first-ever state visit by an Indian head of state to Timor-Leste also highlighted India’s diplomatic focus on deepening ties with countries of the Global South. “TL makes a choice in dealing with India under the South-South rubric, and therefore it has benefited from India’s engagement with small developing countries through the United Nations and India, Brazil, and South Africa (IBSA) funds,” writes Gurjit Singh, India’s former ambassador to Indonesia in FirstPost. Timor-Leste participated in both the Voice of the Global South summits convened by India before and after the G20 Summit in 2023.

(Ananya Singh contributed inputs for this article)

Author Profile

Manish Chand

Manish Chand is Founder-CEO and Editor-in-Chief of India Writes Network (www.indiawrites.org) and India and World, a pioneering magazine focused on international affairs. He is CEO/Director of TGII Media Private Limited, an India-based media, publishing, research and consultancy company.