"India-Indonesia Relations: Strengthening Strategic, Economic, and Cultural Ties in the Indo-Pacific", “स्वर्णिम भारत - विरासत और विकास”,"Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's Visit to India: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Ahead of the 76th Republic Day

 

   

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's Visit to India: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Ahead of the 76th Republic Day

Prior to the 76th Republic Day ceremonies in New Delhi, where he would serve as the chief guest, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto landed in India.The relationship between India and Indonesia is based on strong cultural and historical links and dates back more than two millennia. Indonesia's cultural and religious environment was shaped by the introduction of Buddhism, Hinduism, and later Islam from India.During Dutch and British control in the 19th and 20th centuries, the majority of Indonesians of Indian descent immigrated to the country. South India is home to the majority of the PIO group. A sizable portion of them are also from North India, including Gujaratis, Sikhs, Sindhis, and others (about 10,000). Over the course of three to four generations, they have completely blended into the local culture while preserving their Indian family and community ties, as well as their culture, religion, and customs. Indonesian art and folklore are still influenced by the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, which forge a special cultural bond. Both countries became important voices in the Non-Aligned Movement after gaining independence because they had similar goals for political sovereignty, economic independence, and autonomous foreign policy.High-Level Visits and Agreements In recent years, there have been more diplomatic exchanges. For example, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta in 2018, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed, and a common vision for Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation was established. 

In 2024, Prime Minister Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subian held talks on the sidelines of the G20 Summit, focusing on economic and security cooperation. These interactions highlight both countries' shared commitment to regional stability and economic development.The defense ties between India and Indonesia have been established since 1951 and reinforced by accords in 2001 and 2018. Joint military exercises, such as the Army's Garuda Shakti, the Navy's Samudra Shakti, and the IND-INDO CORPAT coordinated patrols, are important undertakings. Defense Industry Cooperation: In 2024, the first-ever India-Indonesia Defense Industry Exhibition highlighted prospects for collaboration in defense production and technology. Shared worries about regional security, especially in the Indo-Pacific, are highlighted by this alliance.India's second-largest ASEAN trading partner is Indonesia. In 2023–2024, trade between the two countries was $29.4 billion, fueled by: Rubber, crude palm oil, and coal are all imported from India. Indian exports include agricultural goods, telecom equipment, and refined petroleum.In the ASEAN area, Indonesia has become India's second-largest commercial partner. From US$4.3 billion in 2005–06 to US$38.84 billion in 2022–23 and US$29.40 billion in 2023–24, bilateral trade has grown. In addition to importing minerals, rubber, pulp and paper, and hydrocarbon reserves, India is Indonesia's top consumer of crude palm oil and its second-largest buyer of coal. India supplies Indonesia with steel products, plastics, agricultural commodities, commercial cars, telecommunications equipment, refined petroleum products, and bovine meat.In Indonesia, there are over 100 joint ventures and investments from India. According to Indonesian officials, between 2000 and 2024, Indians invested USD 1.56 billion in 7292 projects in Indonesia. However, the amount of investment might be significantly higher because the majority of investments go through Singapore and other gateways. Infrastructure, power, steel, textiles, automobiles, mining, banking, and consumer goods have all seen large investments from Indian businesses. Coal mines in Indonesia are run by a number of medium-sized and small Indian businesses.Between April 2000 and March 2024, Indonesia invested a total of around US$654.12 million in India (Source: DIPP, INDIA). There are sixteen Indonesian businesses operating in India in the fields of agriculture, chicken feed, processed foods, paper, information technology, placement, logistics, and transportation, among others. Connectivity and Investment Indian Investments: Indian companies have made about $1.56 billion in investments in industries such as infrastructure, mining, and textiles. 

Connectivity Boost: Direct flights between major cities, like as Delhi-Bali and Mumbai-Jakarta, have increased tourism and improved people-to-people relations.Cultural Engagement: India promotes yoga, classical dance, and music through its two cultural centers in Jakarta and Bali. Approximately 14,000 Indian Nationals (NRI) are employed in Indonesia, including bankers, consultants, engineers, IT specialists, entrepreneurs, and chartered accountants. The Indonesian society holds them in great regard. Bandung, Surabaya, and Greater Jakarta are where they are most prevalent. In order to commemorate their cultural, religious, and regional festivals, the Indian diaspora (OCIs/NRIs) regularly organizes activities in temples, gurudwaras, churches, and other locations. They also have strong community associations. More than twenty Indian diasporic associations, both registered and unregistered, can be found throughout Indonesia, including Greater Jakarta, Medan, Bandung, Surabaya, and other locations.The cultural connection is emphasized by joint International Yoga Day celebrations and seminars on common heritage. Cooperation in Education: Under initiatives like ITEC and ICCR, Indonesia is a major beneficiary of Indian scholarships. The goal of talks on memorandums of understanding for higher education is to strengthen cooperation in information exchange.Both Indonesia and India participate actively in multilateral organizations such as ASEAN, IORA, and the G20. Their collaboration encompasses sustainable development, marine security, and regional stability.In 2024, India and Indonesia celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations. Throughout the year, a number of events were held, such as a joint logo design competition, the Track 1.5 Jakarta Futures Forum organised in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation, and the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, which was attended by Sandiaga Uno, Indonesia's Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, and Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs.In 2024, India and Indonesia will mark 75 years of diplomatic ties with a number of events honoring their common past and goals for the future. In order to ensure mutual progress and stability in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening economic, defense, and cultural cooperation continues to be crucial to their relationship.In May 2018, the Indian Prime Minister visited Indonesia and signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) signed an Implementation Agreement on Transfer of Title of Integrated Biak Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Facilities and an Implementing Arrangement on Operation, Maintenance, and Utilization of Integrated Biak Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Facilities for Satellites and Launch Vehicles on March 19, 2024, in Jakarta, Indonesia.In the areas of capacity building, public health, drug manufacturing, training physicians and technicians in Indian hospitals, specialty services, digitalizing healthcare through e-health platforms, medical equipment, or cutting-edge fields like biomedicine and wellness through AYUSH, Indian companies are eager to share their knowledge. For clinical collaboration, capacity building, technical training, hospital management services, and to make high-quality, reasonably priced healthcare accessible to Indonesians, Indian international healthcare brands such as Apollo Hospitals are collaborating with the Indonesian Mayapada Hospital group to build a green hospital in the country's new capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). Perkasa Hospital Services Indonesia and Artemis Group of India have inked a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow Indonesians to receive medical care in India.A combination of strategic cooperation and historical companionship may be seen in the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia. Their collaboration is essential to forming the regional and international scene because they are two thriving democracies and developing economies. India and Indonesia continue to strengthen their relationship based on mutual respect and shared values, paving the way for a successful and peaceful future.