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The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday in New Delhi marked a significant escalation in the already strong bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia. The exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering diverse sectors, including health cooperation, digital infrastructure development, and crucially, enhanced defence collaboration, underlines the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. This collaboration extends beyond mere economic ties, signifying a shared vision for regional stability and prosperity in the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.
PM Modi's emphasis on Indonesia's pivotal role as a partner within the ASEAN and the wider Indo-Pacific framework underscores India's 'Act East' policy. This policy, focused on strengthening ties with Southeast Asia, finds a natural and significant ally in Indonesia, the largest economy in Southeast Asia. The designation of 2025 as the 'India-ASEAN Year of Tourism' signals a commitment to fostering people-to-people connections and furthering cultural understanding. This initiative, beyond its economic benefits, serves as a foundation for building stronger diplomatic relationships and solidifying mutual trust. The joint commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation, in accordance with international law, further highlights the shared values and strategic interests that bind India and Indonesia.
The burgeoning bilateral trade, exceeding $30 billion in the past year, demonstrates the considerable economic dynamism of the relationship. The announcement of enhanced cooperation in cutting-edge technological fields, including Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and digital public infrastructure, positions the two countries as key players in the global digital economy. This strategic technological collaboration will not only drive economic growth but also enhance cybersecurity and contribute to the development of robust digital infrastructure in both nations. Furthermore, the commitment to collaborative efforts in maritime security, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and de-radicalisation points towards a shared understanding of the multifaceted security challenges facing the region and a willingness to tackle them collectively.
The agreements reached on maritime safety and security, aimed at enhancing crime prevention, search and rescue operations, and capacity building, are particularly noteworthy. These initiatives directly address the practical security concerns shared by both countries, which are maritime nations with significant coastlines. The strengthening of partnerships in energy, critical minerals, science, technology, and space reflects a broader commitment to sustainable and mutually beneficial development. The historical and cultural ties, symbolized by references to the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bali Jatra, and India's contribution to the preservation of Indonesia's Prambanan Hindu Temple, serve as a poignant reminder of the deep-rooted connections between the two nations, underscoring the enduring nature of their relationship.
Indonesia's recent membership in BRICS further strengthens its strategic alignment with India, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering a multipolar world order. India's welcoming of Indonesia into BRICS and the reiteration of its commitment to collaborating on the interests of Global South countries showcase a shared vision for inclusive global governance. Prabowo's expression of gratitude for India's longstanding support, mentioning the land donated by the Indian government for the Indonesian Embassy in India, illustrates the tangible history of cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations. His statement about the Indonesian military contingent's participation in India's Republic Day parade emphasizes the level of trust and collaboration that exists between the armed forces of both countries.
The ongoing discussions encompassing trade, investment, tourism, health, energy, and technology signal a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to strengthening the partnership. The shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, as reiterated by both leaders, solidifies their determination to deepen the long-term strategic partnership. The meeting concludes with a sense of renewed vigor and a clear indication of a shared vision for a secure, prosperous, and stable Indo-Pacific region. The commitment to comprehensive collaboration, encompassing security, economic growth, and cultural exchange, sets the stage for an even stronger and more productive relationship between India and Indonesia in the years to come. The successful outcome of this meeting demonstrates that the bilateral relationship transcends mere political dialogue and is deeply rooted in shared history, common values, and a mutual understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Source: India, Indonesia To to Enhance Ties In Defence, Maritime Security: PM Modi