India, Indonesia Strengthen Defence Partnership: CDS Anil Chauhan Meets Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta
India and Indonesia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan met Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in military training, defence technology, and human resource development — signalling the two nations’ shared strategic vision in the Indo-Pacific region.
Expanding Defence Cooperation Beyond Borders
According to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, both sides explored new areas of cooperation, particularly in military medicine. This includes specialist training programmes for doctors from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), designed to enhance joint readiness and interoperability.
The discussions also touched upon increasing cooperation in defence manufacturing, shipbuilding, and joint exercises, aligning with both nations’ efforts to strengthen regional security and promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
Welcoming General Chauhan, Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin expressed appreciation for India’s consistent engagement with Indonesia. He also recalled the warm hospitality extended to the Indonesian delegation during India’s Republic Day Parade in January 2025, where Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest.
A Visit to Deepen Strategic Ties
General Anil Chauhan is on an official visit to Indonesia from October 26 to 31, part of ongoing efforts to deepen the India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During his visit, the CDS will hold bilateral talks with General Agus Subiyanto, Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces, and meet the Chiefs of Staff of the Indonesian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
He will also travel to Bandung and Surabaya, visiting leading defence industry establishments and shipyards to explore opportunities for industrial collaboration. The visit aims to expand cooperation between Indian defence manufacturers and Indonesian defence companies, paving the way for joint production, technology transfer, and skill exchange.
Additionally, General Chauhan will engage with Indonesian defence think tanks and academic institutions, highlighting the growing synergy between strategic communities in both nations.
Following Up on High-Level Bilateral Commitments
The visit builds on the outcomes of President Prabowo Subianto’s State Visit to India in January 2025, which marked a pivotal moment in bilateral defence ties.
During that visit, both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto had agreed to deepen cooperation across multiple dimensions — including maritime domain awareness, counter-terrorism, cyber defence, and capacity building.
A statement from the Indian Embassy in Jakarta emphasized:
“This visit of CDS to Indonesia highlights the growing defence engagement between India and Indonesia and follows up on the defence-related outcomes of the State visit of President Prabowo Subianto to India earlier this year. It aims to further deepen cooperation between India and Indonesia, Comprehensive Strategic Partners, in the realm of defence collaboration.”
Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
The year 2025 also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia — a milestone that underscores the deep-rooted historical and cultural bonds between the two nations.
Both countries have maintained strong cooperation in the areas of defence, trade, maritime security, and regional stability, given their shared maritime boundaries and mutual interest in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Indonesia’s strategic location along key maritime trade routes and India’s growing role as a regional security provider have positioned both countries as natural partners in the evolving Indo-Pacific security architecture.
India–Indonesia: Strategic Partners in the Indo-Pacific
Over the years, defence collaboration between New Delhi and Jakarta has expanded significantly. Regular bilateral naval exercises, such as the Samudra Shakti series, joint army-to-army exchanges, and cooperative initiatives in defence research and development, have helped enhance interoperability and trust between the armed forces.
In recent years, both sides have also emphasised defence industrial cooperation, focusing on shipbuilding, aircraft maintenance, and joint ventures in defence production. The growing synergy is consistent with India’s Act East Policy and Indonesia’s Global Maritime Fulcrum Vision.
The meeting between General Chauhan and Minister Sjamsoeddin further solidifies these foundations, with both sides agreeing to maintain sustained dialogue and regular exchanges at multiple levels.
Looking Ahead: Building a Future of Shared Security
General Chauhan’s visit comes at a time when regional security dynamics are rapidly evolving amid maritime tensions and increasing emphasis on multilateral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The visit is expected to lay the groundwork for new institutional mechanisms for defence cooperation, including information sharing, capacity building, and strategic-level consultations.
It also underscores India’s broader effort to deepen its engagement with Southeast Asian countries, strengthening ASEAN centrality and promoting a peaceful, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific.
Final Thoughts — TheTrendingPeople.com
India’s growing engagement with Indonesia reflects a larger trend of building sustainable, mutually beneficial defence partnerships across the Indo-Pacific. As General Anil Chauhan’s visit progresses, it marks another step toward translating political commitments into practical cooperation — reinforcing both nations’ shared pursuit of regional peace, maritime security, and technological collaboration.