Indonesia’s President was the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations. Signed MoUs covering health cooperation, digital infrastructure, and defense collaboration.
Evolution of India-Indonesia Ties
- Early Period (1940s-50s):
- India supported Indonesia’s independence from Dutch rule.
- Signed Treaty of Friendship (1951), participated in Bandung Conference (1955) & NAM (1961).
- Deterioration (1960s):
- Relations strained over China & Pakistan
- Indonesia sided with Pakistan in the 1965 war, supplying military aid.
- Cold War Era (1966-80s):
- Indonesia moved away from China, improving ties with India.
- Signed 1977 maritime boundary pact, President Suharto visited India (1980).
- Look East Policy (1991 Onwards):
- Trade & cooperation improved under India’s Look East Policy (1991).
- Act East Policy (2014) made Indonesia a key regional partner.
- Recent Developments (2000s-Present):
- 2nd largest trading partner in ASEAN (after Singapore).
- Trade increased from USD 4.3 billion (2005-06) to USD 38.84 billion (2022-23).
- Negotiating BrahMos missile deal (~USD 450 million).
- Calls for South China Sea Code of Conduct in line with UNCLOS.
India-Indonesia Ties
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership:
- Upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
- Defence Cooperation:
- Strengthening defense ties through Coordinated Patrol, Ex Garuda Shakti (Army), and Ex Samudra Shakti (Naval).
- Agreed to establish Bilateral Maritime Dialogue and Cyber Security Dialogue.
- Trade Cooperation:
- Bilateral trade reached USD 38.8 billion (2022-23).
- Aiming to resolve trade barriers & expedite the AITIGA review.
- MoU on Local Currency Settlement Systems to boost trade using local currencies.
- Energy & Health Security:
- Focus on biofuels & joint critical mineral exploration (nickel & bauxite).
- Signed MoUs on Health Cooperation & traditional medicine quality assurance.
- Technological Cooperation:
- India to share expertise in Digital Public Infrastructure, Quantum Communication & High-Performance Computing.
- Cultural Cooperation:
- India to assist in restoring the Prambanan Temple & reaffirm Kashi Cultural Pathway principles.
- Multilateral Cooperation:
- Emphasized ASEAN centrality & Indo-Pacific cooperation via IPOI, BRICS, and IORA.
Importance of Indonesia to India
- Strategic Location:
- Key role in the Indo-Pacific, controlling Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits.
- Natural Resources:
- Major exporter of palm oil, tin, rubber, nickel, coal, coffee, and gold.
- Defense Cooperation:
- BrahMos missile deal highlights defense collaboration.
- Joint efforts on cybersecurity, counter-terrorism & maritime security.
- Politics & Governance:
- Largest Muslim-majority nation with a secular constitution (Panchashila).
- Successfully tackled terrorism via police efforts over military action.
- Global Influence:
- Leading ASEAN nation, valuable for regional stability & Indo-Pacific strategy.
Indonesia is a crucial partner in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy, with deepening ties in trade, defense & maritime security. Strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will reinforce regional stability and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
