President Subianto, who attended the Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, also participated in the At Home function hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan
Highlighting the significance of “freedom of navigation and overflight” in the Indo-Pacific region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to expedite the establishment of bilateral maritime and cyber security dialogues. This decision was part of a broader agenda to strengthen ties, as outlined in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of President Subianto’s three-day visit to India.
President Subianto, who attended the Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, also participated in the At Home function hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The visit underscored the robust ties between India and Indonesia, marked by their status as maritime neighbours and strategic partners.
During their discussions, the leaders emphasised the need for regular high-level engagements, including dialogues between leaders, ministers, and senior officials. These platforms, such as the India-Indonesia Security Dialogue, Consular Dialogue, and Policy Planning Dialogue, are key to advancing mutual cooperation.
The two countries, which adopted the “Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific” in 2018, reaffirmed their commitment to this framework. The leaders also welcomed the ratification of the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which they believe will deepen defence ties. The joint statement highlighted plans for regular engagements between Defence Ministers and an early convening of the next Defence Ministers’ Dialogue.
“India agreed to support the ongoing defence modernisation programmes of Indonesia through experience and expertise sharing. Both countries affirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in the defence industry by utilising the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee,” the statement read.
The two leaders discussed the strategic and operational interactions between their defence forces, which include over two decades of biannual India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrols and bilateral exercises such as Garuda Shakti (Army) and Samudra Shakti (Navy). The statement also noted interest in fostering “cadet exchanges between the Naval Academies and the National Defence University/Academy.”
President Subianto expressed interest in India’s advancements in domestic defence manufacturing, recognising its potential to bolster Indonesia’s defence capabilities.
Strengthening Maritime Security
Maritime security emerged as a key area of focus during the talks. The leaders discussed the importance of safe and secure sea lanes and agreed on continued dialogue to enhance maritime safety. As part of this cooperation, they welcomed ongoing discussions on the White Shipping Information Exchange agreement and announced the placement of an Indonesian International Liaison Officer at the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram.
The renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation further solidifies their commitment to addressing crimes at sea, coordinating search and rescue operations, and undertaking capacity-building activities.
President Subianto appreciated India’s engagement with regional mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of sea lanes, while both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and maritime safety in the South China Sea. They called for adherence to international laws, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and supported the effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. The leaders also expressed optimism for the early conclusion of a substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
Condemnation Of Terrorism
On the issue of counter-terrorism, both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and pledged to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation to combat the threat. They called for collective global efforts to eliminate terror financing, prevent the recruitment of terrorists, and deny safe havens to terrorist organisations.
“They underscored the importance of strengthening global efforts to combat terrorism, including eliminating terror financing and preventing the recruitment of terrorists, without any double standards. Both leaders emphasised the need for all countries to work collectively to deny safe havens and support networks to terrorist groups, in accordance with international obligations and commitments,” the joint statement read.
Looking Ahead
The visit of President Subianto highlighted the deepening ties between India and Indonesia, particularly in the areas of maritime and defence cooperation. Both nations remain committed to building a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, guided by mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for sustainable growth. The agreements and discussions during this visit are expected to pave the way for enhanced collaboration in the years to come.