Pratik Bijlani –
India and Indonesia have reinforced their strategic partnership by advancing maritime and defence cooperation through critical agreements and collaborative initiatives. During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s recent visit to New Delhi, the two nations finalized the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) and agreed to enhance cadet exchanges between their naval academies, reflecting a shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties.
Recognizing their status as maritime neighbours and strategic partners, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto emphasized the importance of ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region. The leaders agreed to the early establishment of bilateral maritime and cybersecurity dialogues, bolstering their alignment on regional and global issues.
The two sides reaffirmed their dedication to collaborative efforts, including biannual coordinated patrols and joint military exercises like Garuda Shakti and Samudra Shakti, which have fostered operational synergy. Building on their 2018 “Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” both nations committed to holding the next Defence Ministers’ Dialogue and advancing defence manufacturing partnerships.
To enhance maritime security, an Indonesian liaison officer will be positioned at India’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram. Ongoing negotiations for the White Shipping Information Exchange agreement were also discussed, aimed at improving data-sharing on commercial shipping for safer navigation.
The leaders stressed the strategic importance of safeguarding vital sea lanes in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Collaborative efforts will also focus on hydrography and submarine search-and-rescue operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness and preparedness.
These developments underscore the robust partnership between India and Indonesia, reflecting their shared vision for a secure, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region while addressing emerging maritime security challenges together.
Marex Media