An extremely mutually advantageous State visit by President Prabowo Subianto to India (23-26 January) was not only high on protocol but also a boost to the bilateral relationship. While he was the chief guest on the 76th Republic Day, it witnessed a comprehensive dialogue covering various aspects of mutual interests. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several Ministers as well as Senior Officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation. His visit also coincided with the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The Joint Statement, PM Modi’s and President Subianto’s speeches indicate that it was truly a landmark indicating an upward movement of the trajectory of the bilateral relationship. The Joint Statement indicates that PM Modi and President Subianto held comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including political, defence and security, maritime, economic, health and pharmaceuticals, food and energy security, digital transition, sustainable energy transition, blue economy as well as education and cultural cooperation.  They emphasised regular meetings at the leaders’ level, ministerial level, and senior officials level, including the India-Indonesia Security Dialogue, Consular Dialogue and Policy Planning Dialogue which are the key platforms for advancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Since September 2024, a Track 1.5 Dialogue mechanism has been established involving think tanks and policymakers from both sides. This is considered a very useful mechanism to share common concerns freely. 

The Agreement concerning Cooperation in the field of Defence (DCA) was ratified signalling further cooperation in this field. The next Defence Ministers Dialogue is likely to take place soon. India agreed to support the ongoing defence modernization programmes of Indonesia through experience and expertise sharing. Both countries affirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in the defence industry by utilizing the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC). PM Modi, in his speech, stated that the two countries decided to work together in the areas of Defence Manufacturing and Supply Chain.  

Maritime security remains in focus. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation on maritime security, including its engagement with regional mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of sea lanes of communication. The two leaders agreed on three aspects: first, to strengthen efforts towards implementation of the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region; second, to support the concept of sovereignty and integrity of the nations in the region; third to strengthen cooperation to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter. 

On the South China Sea (SCS), three significant aspects were crucial. First, the two leaders stressed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and other lawful uses of the seas, including unimpeded lawful maritime commerce. Second, they agreed to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Third, they supported the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (CoC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.   

Further, the two leaders expressed commitment “to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region forward, both leaders reaffirmed commitment to regional peace and security and welcomed the ongoing cooperation under the India-Indonesia-Australia trilateral format to address common challenges, exchange views and explore opportunities for collaboration including in the areas of maritime domain awareness, marine pollution, blue economy and also under the frameworks of East Asia Summit (EAS), Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).” This trilateral cooperation is likely to be further strengthened. 

Indonesia sits on critical sea lanes of communication like the Strait of Malacca, Sunda, Lombok, Makassar, and Omboi Wetar Straits, hence is strategically important for maritime security of the region. President Subianto believes in more friends and zero enemies and is pursuing a muti-alignment policy like India.  

China remains a common concern. Indonesia had a standoff with China.  The standoff between Indonesia and China primarily revolves around territorial disputes in the North Natuna Sea, where China has asserted claims over waters that Indonesia considers part of its Exclusive Economic Zone. Tensions escalated in late 2021 when China demanded that Indonesia halt its oil and gas drilling activities near the Natuna Islands, claiming that the area was Chinese territory. In October 2024 two incidents took place. A Chinese coast guard vessel was driven out of Indonesia’s waters after it initially disrupted a survey by state energy firm Pertamina in the SCS. Indonesia has also supported the PCA Ruling of 2016.  Significantly, since 2023 India is also supporting the implementation of this Ruling. 

President Subianto’s recent visit witnessed the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding on wide-ranging fields, including health, traditional medicine, and maritime security. The MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation between the Indian Coast Guard and BAKAMLA, Indonesia was renewed. President Subianto’s statement that he would like to see Indonesia and India continuing to be close partners and friends and that he has the Indian DNA suggest further cooperation in coming years in various fields. With Indonesia joining the BRICS, there will be an additional forum for cooperation between the two countries. President Subianto by agreeing to not visit Pakistan showed that he takes India’s concerns seriously. Both countries committed to maintaining peace, security, prosperity, and rules-based order in this entire region. In essence, President Subianto’s visit is strategically important creating momentum for bilateral ties and opening a new chapter of substantive, extensive and deep relationship between India and Indonesia not only for mutual benefit but also for peace and security in the region.            

Disclaimer

Views expressed above are the author's own.

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