By A Correspondent

New Delhi: India and Indonesia, on November 27, 2025, significantly upgraded their defence and strategic cooperation, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin outlining a sharper, more action-oriented partnership focused on Indo-Pacific security, defence industry collaboration, and expanded military engagements.

The third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, held in New Delhi, placed Indo-Pacific peace and operational cooperation at the heart of bilateral ties as both nations navigate increasing regional tensions.

The talks reaffirmed the momentum generated by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India as the Chief Guest at the 2025 Republic Day parade, where 352 personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces participated.

The two ministers noted that the outcomes from President Subianto’s discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had strengthened the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, giving new direction to defence cooperation.

Indo-Pacific at the Core of Strategic Partnership

At the top of the agenda was the shared commitment to a free, open, stable, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, an euphemism for China’s aggressive maritime behaviour in the region. Both sides emphasised adherence to international law and respect for sovereignty as essential to regional stability.

Indonesia acknowledged that India remains a key partner in shaping regional peace, noting the strong convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.

The two nations agreed to deepen coordination through multilateral platforms, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), which India currently chairs.

They committed to expanded cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, and joint operational readiness, reflecting a growing focus on real-time security coordination.

Defence Industry Collaboration & Tech Transfer Push

Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to set up a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to accelerate technology transfer, joint R&D, certification harmonisation, and supply-chain integration.

The talks reaffirmed the relevance of the existing Defence Cooperation Agreement and the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee as key mechanisms driving bilateral projects.

India’s expertise in submarine development, particularly the Scorpene-class programme, was highlighted as an area where Indonesia sees future opportunities for capability development.

Expanded Military Exercises and Training

Military-to-military ties continue to deepen, with both sides reviewing progress in joint exercises such as Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti, and MILAN.

They agreed to launch new air manoeuvre exercises, expand officer exchanges, and intensify joint training and academic exchanges between defence institutions.

Maritime Security and Multilateral Engagement

The ministers reiterated their commitment to maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. Indonesia reaffirmed support for India’s initiatives under ASEAN-led mechanisms, including ADMM-Plus.

Both nations jointly expressed support for a just and lasting peace in Palestine. Indonesia signalled readiness to deploy peacekeepers to Gaza under a UN mandate. The two sides also identified new opportunities in defence medicine, pharmaceuticals, and military health research.

In a symbolic gesture of friendship, India announced the gifting of horses and a ceremonial carriage to Indonesia.

Both ministers agreed to sustain high-level exchanges and deepen structured cooperation across defence, security, technology, and humanitarian domains, reinforcing their shared role as key Indo-Pacific stabilisers.

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