India and Indonesia Strengthen Defence Partnership, Reaffirm Commitment to a Free and Stable Indo-Pacific at New Delhi Dialogue
India and Indonesia on Thursday underlined their shared commitment to a free, open, peaceful and stable Indo-Pacific region while reiterating the importance of respecting sovereignty and international law. The reaffirmation came during the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue held in New Delhi, co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The meeting highlighted growing cooperation in maritime security, defence technology, joint exercises, supply chains and multilateral engagements, while also reflecting the strategic alignment between the two nations in shaping regional security.
Shared Indo-Pacific Vision and Multilateral Cooperation
Both nations emphasised the relevance of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), noting that the frameworks share essential principles, including openness, inclusivity and respect for sovereignty.
Indonesia described India as a key partner in maintaining regional peace and stability. The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation through multilateral platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), where India currently holds the chairmanship.
Indonesia Applauds India’s Submarine Expertise
A notable highlight of the discussions was Indonesia’s appreciation of India’s experience in submarine development and supply-chain capabilities. Indonesia acknowledged that India’s expertise—especially in the Scorpene-class submarine programme—holds significant value for Jakarta’s future naval development plans.
This marks a new phase in India-Indonesia defence engagement, indicating a growing trust in India’s military-industrial capabilities and potential cooperation in undersea warfare technologies.
Review of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The ministers recalled Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India as the Chief Guest of the Republic Day celebrations earlier this year, where 352 members of the Indonesian Armed Forces participated. They noted that the discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto further elevated the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far and agreed to maintain high-level exchanges to support momentum in defence ties.
Strengthening Maritime Security and Operational Readiness
India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to maritime security, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience and joint operational preparedness.
Indonesia welcomed India’s initiatives for closer coordination within ASEAN-led defence structures such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus).
Additionally, India announced the gifting of horses and a ceremonial carriage from the Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps to Indonesia, reflecting symbolic military-to-military goodwill.
Focus on Joint Exercises, Training and Interoperability
The two countries reviewed progress on several joint military exercises, including:
- Super Garuda Shield
- Garuda Shakti
- Samudra Shakti
- MILAN
- Upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises
The ministers reaffirmed plans for more officer exchanges, joint training programs and education visits to improve interoperability and knowledge sharing between the armed forces.
Defence Industry Collaboration and Supply Chains
Indonesia appreciated India’s proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee. The committee aims to explore avenues for:
- Technology transfer
- Joint research and development
- Certification harmonisation
- Defence supply-chain linkages
This collaboration aligns with India’s larger goal of becoming a reliable partner in global defence manufacturing and export.
Cooperation on Defence Medicine and Peace Efforts
Both nations also discussed expanding collaboration in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals. Plans include joint research, training programs and advancements in military health resilience.
The ministers affirmed their commitment to a just and lasting peace in Palestine and discussed potential collaboration in humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction and peacekeeping operations. Indonesia expressed willingness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under a United Nations mandate.
Rajnath Singh Highlights Deepening Partnership
After the meeting, Rajnath Singh posted on X that defence cooperation between India and Indonesia has grown significantly in recent years. He described the talks as “free and frank,” focusing on further strengthening ties and enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Earlier in the day, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin was welcomed with a Guard of Honour at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan before the formal dialogue began.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue marks a major step forward in the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. With increasing military cooperation, defence technology collaboration and shared commitment to Indo-Pacific stability, India and Indonesia continue to position themselves as important partners in regional security. Their alignment on maritime priorities, supply-chain resilience and multilateral cooperation reflects a broader effort to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region. As both countries pursue deeper defence ties, the outcomes of this dialogue are expected to shape future military engagements and strategic planning across the Indo-Pacific.