India and Indonesia Strengthen Defence Partnership

India and Indonesia have taken a significant step toward reinforcing their long-standing strategic relationship as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosted Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in New Delhi for the third India–Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. The meeting underscored the shared vision of both nations for a free, open, peaceful, and rules-based Indo-Pacific — a region that remains central to global trade and strategic stability. The ministers reiterated the need to uphold international law, protect sovereignty, and ensure respect for territorial integrity at a time when maritime boundaries and regional influence are increasingly contested.

The dialogue highlighted New Delhi and Jakarta’s mutual determination to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a region free from coercion, intimidation, or unilateral attempts to alter the status quo. Both nations, as major maritime democracies with strong historical ties, view their partnership as essential to maintaining stability across the Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific region.

India, Indonesia focussed on free, open Indo-Pacific during talks between defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Delhi | Hindustan Times

Expanding Cooperation Across Key Defence Domains

One of the major themes of the dialogue was the deepening of practical defence cooperation. The discussions covered the strengthening of maritime domain awareness, improvement of coordination mechanisms, and the enhancement of security across vital sea lanes. Both countries acknowledged that the Indian Ocean is becoming increasingly strategic, making cooperative mechanisms essential for ensuring safe and open navigation.

In addition to maritime cooperation, cyber security and operational readiness emerged as critical areas of mutual interest. With the rise of hybrid warfare and state-sponsored cyber intrusions, the two nations expressed willingness to work closely on enhancing their military cyber defence capabilities and resilience frameworks.

Defence-industrial collaboration formed another crucial pillar of the meeting. Indonesia recognised India’s notable success in submarine development and indigenous manufacturing, particularly the Scorpene-class programme, which Jakarta sees as a valuable model for its future plans. India proposed the establishment of a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to facilitate technology sharing, co-development initiatives, and smoother supply-chain integration — potentially transforming bilateral cooperation into long-term industrial partnership.

Strengthening Interoperability Through Joint Exercises and Training

The ministers also reviewed ongoing joint military exercises and initiatives across land, sea, and air domains. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of existing engagements and showed interest in expanding officer exchanges, joint training programmes, and study tours at defence educational institutions. Such initiatives enhance interoperability, build trust between armed forces, and create a foundation for coordinated responses to regional challenges.

A gesture of goodwill was reflected in India’s announcement that the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps would gift horses and a ceremonial carriage to Indonesia. Beyond symbolic value, such exchanges reinforce cultural and historical ties between the two nations.

Broader Strategic Context and Regional Significance

The strengthening of India–Indonesia defence ties comes at a moment of heightened geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific. With external powers asserting greater influence in maritime regions, both nations find themselves aligned in their desire to preserve a rules-based order. India’s Act East Policy and Indonesia’s active role in ASEAN make the partnership both natural and strategic.

The cooperation also aligns with multilateral frameworks such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Through these platforms, India and Indonesia seek to promote regional security, protect sea lanes, counter piracy, and enhance the collective capacity of Indo-Pacific nations.

Defence-industrial cooperation between South and Southeast Asian countries also signals a broader shift in the global security environment. As developing nations pursue greater self-reliance and diversification of defence partnerships, collaborations like the India–Indonesia model may serve as templates for emerging regional security architectures.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s renewed engagement with Indonesia reflects a shared strategic confidence in shaping a stable and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The meeting between the two defence ministers highlighted both nations’ growing alignment on protecting maritime sovereignty, countering coercive regional behaviour, and ensuring that crucial sea lanes remain open and secure. As geopolitical competition intensifies, India and Indonesia now view their partnership as not merely cooperative but essential to safeguarding the broader Indo-Pacific order. Their commitment to maritime domain awareness, cyber defence collaboration, and operational coordination underlines how both countries are responding to emerging threats with comprehensive preparedness.

The dialogue also signalled a deeper shift toward long-term defence-industrial integration, with Indonesia recognizing India’s success in indigenous platforms such as the Scorpene-class submarine programme. Proposals for co-development, technology sharing, and a formal Defence Industry Cooperation Committee reflect a maturing relationship ready to move beyond traditional exchanges. Joint exercises, officer training, and goodwill gestures further strengthen interoperability and cultural ties, positioning both nations as responsible maritime democracies capable of shaping regional stability. As the Indo-Pacific becomes the centre of global strategic focus, stronger India–Indonesia cooperation contributes meaningfully to preserving sovereignty, balance, and a peaceful regional architecture.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, Economic Times)