India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was in India on a four-day visit from January 23-26, 2025, has expressed interest in strengthening cooperation with India’s growing domestic defence manufacturing sector. The issue figured in bilateral discussions between the visiting Indonesian President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday (January 25, 2025).

A Joint Statement on the visit said Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo held comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation. This included political, defence and security, maritime, economic, health and pharmaceuticals, food and energy security, digital transition, sustainable energy transition, blue economy as well as education and cultural cooperation. 

They expressed satisfaction with the robust and dynamic bilateral ties, following the elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, the statement noted.

Discussion on Cooperation in Defence
Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo reaffirmed that India and Indonesia as maritime neighbours and strategic partners must continue to work to further deepen and broaden the defence cooperation to a robust one.

According to the Joint Statement, they welcomed the ratification of the Agreement concerning Cooperation in the field of Defence (DCA) and expressed confidence that this would lead to further deepening of defence ties. They also expressed satisfaction at the strategic and operational interaction between the defence forces of both countries,

President Prabowo appreciated India’s advancements in domestic defence manufacturing capabilities and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in this sector, the Joint Statement pointed out. He also welcomed India’s interest in enhancing cooperation on maritime security, including its engagement with regional mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of sea lanes of communication. 

Convergence of Views on Counter-Terrorism
The two leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in combating this threat through bilateral and multilateral initiatives. “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. 

They emphasized 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 noted.

Both leaders called upon all countries to take concerted action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations and their affiliates. Recognizing the evolving nature of security challenges, the two leaders agreed to work together in preventing the spread of online radicalization and strengthening mechanisms to counter extremist ideologies, the Joint Statement said.

Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo said they look forward to the renewal of the MoU on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation.

Indonesia at the Core of India’s Act East Policy, says PM Modi

Indonesia is at the core of India’s Act East policy, Prime Minister Modi said after his talks with the visiting Indonesian President to discuss various aspects of the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two leaders discussed ways to deepen India-Indonesia relations in areas such as security, defence manufacturing, trade, FinTech, and AI. According to Prime Minister Modi, sectors like food security, energy and disaster management were also areas where the two sides were looking forward to working closely.

“India is honoured to welcome President Prabowo Subianto. 

When we marked our first Republic Day, Indonesia was the guest nation and now, when we are marking 75 years of India being a Republic, President Subianto will be attending the celebrations. We discussed various aspects of the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Prime Minister Modi said on social media platform X after their talks.

“We discussed ways to deepen India-Indonesia relations in areas such as security, defence manufacturing, trade, FinTech, AI and more. Sectors like food security, energy and disaster management are also areas where we look forward to working closely,” he added.

According to Prime Minister Modi, India and Indonesia were closely cooperating in various multilateral platforms as well. “Indonesia is at the core of our Act East Policy and we welcome Indonesia’s BRICS membership,” he asserted.

The two sides also finalised a slew of agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors like health, maritime safety and security, digital development, traditional medicine, and cultural exchange.

The Indonesian President, who was on a four-day State Visit to India from 23-26 January 23-26, 2025, also attended the celebrations of the 76th Republic Day of India as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several Ministers as well as senior officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation.

“This was the first visit of President Prabowo to India in his current capacity as President and coincided with the 75th Anniversary of India-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations, a milestone that reflects the enduring friendship and deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries,” the Joint Statement noted.