New Delhi: India and Indonesia on Thursday underscored the importance of ensuring a free, open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, with full respect for sovereignty and international law. The two nations also agreed to deepen cooperation through multilateral platforms, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association, currently chaired by India.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin co-chaired the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi, where discussions focused on further strengthening bilateral defence relations and advancing their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting, Indonesia highlighted the significance of India’s achievements in submarine development and supply-chain management, including Scorpene-class programmes, describing them as highly beneficial for its future defence plans.
According to the Ministry of Defence, both sides recognised the shared principles between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, reaffirming Indonesia’s view of India as a key partner in promoting peace and collaboration in the region. The countries also agreed to expand cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber capability, and joint operational readiness.
The ministers reflected on Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India as Chief Guest at this year’s Republic Day celebrations, which included participation by 352 personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces. They noted that discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto during the visit have further enhanced the strategic partnership.
Indonesia also welcomed India’s proposal to form a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee aimed at boosting collaboration in joint research and development, technology transfer, certification and supply-chain connectivity.
India announced that it will gift horses and a ceremonial carriage from the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps to Indonesia. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the dialogue’s results and emphasised continued high-level exchanges and practical collaboration across defence and security sectors.
In a statement shared on X, Rajnath Singh said defence relations between the two countries have witnessed strong growth in recent years and the discussions held were “free and frank,” focusing on advancing defence cooperation and strategic ties.
The two sides reviewed progress in joint military exercises such as Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti, MILAN and future air manoeuvre drills. Continued officer exchanges, joint training, and defence educational visits were also agreed upon to enhance interoperability.
Both countries reiterated their shared commitment to maritime security and coordination in the Indian Ocean, with Indonesia acknowledging India’s efforts within ASEAN-led mechanisms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus.
Cooperation in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals was also discussed, including joint research, technology transfer, and training to bolster military medical resilience.
The ministers reaffirmed their support for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and explored opportunities for humanitarian assistance and post-conflict reconstruction. Indonesia reiterated readiness to deploy peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under a UN mandate.
Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh welcomed Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, where the visiting minister received a Guard of Honour.
