Introduction 

India and Indonesia, two of the world’s largest democracies and most populous nations are stepping up their cooperation in a bid to address regional challenges and promote mutual growth. Both countries share a rich history, strategic location, and common goals, making their partnership a vital pillar for the Southeast Asian region and beyond.

The recent visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India, where he was the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations in 2025, reflects the strengthening of this bilateral relationship. The visit witnessed high-level talks focusing on a range of areas including defense, economic cooperation, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. With shared aspirations and mutual respect, India and Indonesia are charting a new course for regional stability, sustainable development, and cultural exchange.

Historical Ties Between India and Indonesia

The bond between India and Indonesia is deeply rooted in history, going back over 2,000 years. Ancient trade routes facilitated not only the exchange of goods like spices and textiles but also ideas, culture, and religion. Hinduism and Buddhism from India profoundly influenced Indonesian culture, as seen in iconic landmarks such as Borobudur and Prambanan temples. The epics Ramayana and Mahabharata remain integral to Indonesian traditions, with unique local adaptations that highlight the intertwining of the two civilizations.

In the modern era, the relationship gained a new dimension during Indonesia’s fight for independence in 1945. India, under the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru, played a crucial role in garnering international support for Indonesia’s struggle. This act of solidarity left an indelible mark on Indonesia, as reiterated by President Subianto, who stated that Indonesia would never forget India’s unwavering support. Today, these historical ties form the foundation of a partnership that continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of a changing world.

Commitment to Peace and Security in Southeast Asia

India and Indonesia have a shared responsibility as maritime neighbors to ensure peace, security, and stability in the Southeast Asian region. Both nations recognize the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, home to some of the world’s busiest trade routes. With geopolitical tensions and territorial disputes on the rise, their commitment to freedom of navigation and rule-based order becomes even more critical.

During their discussions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto highlighted the need for closer collaboration to tackle common challenges, such as piracy, illegal fishing, and trafficking. They emphasized joint efforts in maritime surveillance, enhanced cooperation between their coast guards, and information-sharing mechanisms. Furthermore, both countries agreed to expand their naval exercises, such as the Samudra Shakti and Ind-Indo CORPAT, to build stronger maritime capabilities and improve interoperability.

Deepening Defense Ties: A Strategic Imperative

Defense cooperation has emerged as a cornerstone of India-Indonesia relations, reflecting their shared security concerns and strategic goals. During his visit, President Subianto announced that Indonesia would send a high-level defense delegation to India to expedite collaborative projects. This development marks a significant step in deepening their defense partnership.

India and Indonesia are actively exploring opportunities for joint production of defense equipment, including patrol vessels, unmanned aerial vehicles, and radar systems. India’s thriving defense manufacturing sector, driven by its "Make in India" initiative, aligns perfectly with Indonesia’s needs for modernized equipment. In addition to manufacturing, both countries have agreed to enhance military training exchanges, enabling Indonesian personnel to benefit from India’s advanced training facilities.

The continuation of bilateral military exercises, such as Garuda Shakti, has strengthened operational coordination and fostered mutual trust. Both nations recognize that their cooperation is essential to counter non-traditional threats, including cyberattacks and transnational terrorism. By addressing these issues together, India and Indonesia aim to build a secure and resilient regional architecture.

Economic Collaboration: Unlocking Bilateral Potential

Economic cooperation is a key driver of the India-Indonesia partnership. With a combined GDP exceeding $5 trillion and a growing middle class, both nations have immense potential to boost trade and investment. Currently, bilateral trade stands at $38 billion, but leaders from both countries have expressed a strong commitment to increasing this figure through diversified and sustainable partnerships.

President Subianto extended an invitation to Indian businesses to invest in Indonesia’s infrastructure projects, particularly in sectors like green energy, urban development, and transportation. Indonesia’s ambitious plan to shift its capital from Jakarta to Nusantara presents a golden opportunity for Indian firms specializing in smart city technologies and sustainable urban planning. Similarly, renewable energy projects, including solar and wind power, have been identified as areas of mutual interest.

Agriculture also plays a pivotal role in their economic engagement. India is a major importer of Indonesian palm oil, while Indonesia relies on India for rice and other agricultural commodities. Additionally, efforts are underway to promote bilateral trade in textiles, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. By reducing trade barriers and enhancing connectivity, India and Indonesia aim to create a robust economic corridor that benefits both nations.

Cultural Synergy: Strengthening People-to-People Ties

Cultural ties form the heart of India-Indonesia relations, with shared traditions fostering a sense of unity and mutual admiration. The influence of Indian culture on Indonesia is evident in its art, architecture, and performing arts. Traditional dance forms like the Balinese Legong and Javanese Wayang Kulit often depict stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

In recent years, both nations have worked to further strengthen cultural exchanges. Programs like student exchange initiatives, language courses, and collaborative arts festivals have brought their people closer. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has also been instrumental in promoting Indian classical dance and music in Indonesia. On the other hand, Indonesia’s rich traditions, such as its gamelan music and batik art, have found admirers in India.

Tourism is another area where cultural connections are thriving. Bali remains a popular destination for Indian travelers, while efforts are being made to attract more Indonesian tourists to iconic Indian destinations like the Taj Mahal and Varanasi.

Regional Cooperation in ASEAN and Beyond

India and Indonesia are pivotal members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and have consistently championed regional integration and multilateralism. Their partnership is guided by shared principles of inclusivity, dialogue, and respect for international law.

One of their primary goals is to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific, where all nations can prosper without fear of coercion. To achieve this, both countries have committed to working together in regional forums such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). They also advocate for sustainable development through joint initiatives in climate change mitigation, renewable energy, and disaster management.

Conclusion

The India-Indonesia partnership is a testament to the power of shared history, mutual respect, and a common vision for the future. By addressing regional challenges together, from security threats to economic disparities, both nations are paving the way for a stable and prosperous Southeast Asia. As they continue to strengthen their ties across multiple dimensions, India and Indonesia are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.

References

1. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

2. Indonesian Government Press Releases

3. Reports from ASEAN Summits

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