Indonesia and India Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Regional Tensions Economic ties between the two nations also received a significant boost, with both sides agreeing to diversify trade baskets and explore opportunities in emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure and financial technology.
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto With India's PM Narender Modi in New Delhi.
NEW DELHI: Indonesia and India have signed a series of wide-ranging agreements aimed at fostering cooperation across critical domains, including health, defense, maritime security, and trade. The agreements, finalized during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India, mark a significant step in deepening the strategic alignment between the two nations. The occasion, coinciding with India’s Republic Day celebrations where President Prabowo was the chief guest, underscores the growing importance of the partnership amid the complexities of the Indo-Pacific region.
Both leaders reaffirmed their shared vision for closer cooperation in response to emerging geopolitical challenges. President Prabowo emphasized the urgency of bolstering ties across key sectors, stating, “We have identified critical areas of mutual interest and agreed to accelerate collaboration in those fields.” He expressed gratitude for India’s consistent support in Indonesia’s accession to BRICS, describing it as a step toward strengthening global stability and advancing regional partnerships.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the pivotal role Indonesia plays in promoting security and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. “We stand together in our commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and upholding international laws,” he remarked, in an apparent reference to rising tensions in the South China Sea. Modi also announced that both nations would collaborate in defense manufacturing, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and de-radicalization, adding, “Our partnership will bring tangible benefits not only to our two nations but also to the entire region.”
The agreements, signed during the high-level discussions, cover a wide array of areas critical to both countries’ strategic and economic aspirations. A notable development is the decision to enhance cooperation in defense manufacturing and supply chain management, with a special focus on self-reliance. A maritime safety pact was also formalized to boost joint efforts in crime prevention and search-and-rescue operations, further solidifying their shared commitment to regional security.
Economic ties between the two nations also received a significant boost, with both leaders agreeing to diversify trade baskets and explore opportunities in emerging sectors such as digital infrastructure and financial technology. President Prabowo directed his administration to streamline bureaucratic processes, noting, “Economic collaboration between our two nations is essential for long-term growth and prosperity. We must eliminate barriers to achieve this vision.” The bilateral trade volume, which crossed $30 billion last year, is expected to grow further with these new initiatives.
Healthcare emerged as another critical area of cooperation. An agreement between the health ministries of both nations aims to address Indonesia’s healthcare workforce shortage while enabling the exchange of expertise in food security and public health systems. “India’s experience in managing large-scale healthcare programs will be invaluable to Indonesia as we strengthen our own systems,” said President Prabowo, emphasizing the importance of knowledge-sharing in tackling mutual challenges.
Cultural and tourism collaborations also featured prominently in the discussions, with both leaders announcing 2025 as the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism. The initiative seeks to deepen cultural ties while boosting tourism between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi noted, “Our historical connections provide a strong foundation for cultural and economic exchanges. We must build on this heritage to create new opportunities for our people.”
Both leaders also reiterated their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a rules-based order. They called for adherence to international law and a code of conduct in the South China Sea, stressing the need for cooperative solutions to regional disputes. The leaders further expressed their determination to combat terrorism and radicalization, with Modi stating, “The threats we face require collective action and unwavering resolve. Together, we can ensure a safer future for our region.”
The agreements signed during President Prabowo’s visit represent a strategic recalibration of ties between Indonesia and India. As key players in the Indo-Pacific, their collaboration is likely to serve as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the region. The focus on maritime security reflects shared concerns over rising tensions in vital sea lanes, while the emphasis on economic and healthcare partnerships demonstrates a pragmatic approach to addressing shared challenges.
While the partnership holds significant promise, potential hurdles remain. Indonesia’s “Made in Indonesia” initiative and India’s “Make in India” policy may require careful alignment to maximize cooperation in defense manufacturing. Addressing these challenges will be essential for sustaining the momentum of this burgeoning relationship.
President Prabowo’s presence as the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations symbolizes the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, as well as a renewed commitment to collaborative efforts. “This partnership is not just a reflection of our shared history but a vision for our shared future,” said President Prabowo. The agreements set a strong foundation for further cooperation, with the potential to reshape regional dynamics and strengthen both nations’ positions in the Indo-Pacific.
-Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, follow @shahidsiddiqui on X
