India has consistently pursued the strengthening and expansion of its engagement with Southeast Asia in recent decades. The announcement of the ‘Act East Policy’ in 2014 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant turning point in India’s regional diplomacy, reflecting a shift from economic engagement to a broader strategic partnership. Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Indonesia has further reinforced this policy by providing renewed momentum to bilateral and regional cooperation, thereby advancing India’s long-term strategic objectives in Southeast Asia.

During the visit, both countries advanced bilateral cooperation in political engagement, defence, maritime safety and countering terrorism. They also pledged to strengthen trade ties and cooperation on critical minerals, the digital economy, healthcare, food and energy security, space technology and cultural exchanges. India and Indonesia are maritime neighbours and strategic partners. The 2018 ‘Shared Vision of India–Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific’ is a vital cornerstone that has enhanced the partnership.

PM Modi’s latest visit also reaffirmed the significance of the multiple layers of institutional cooperation, spanning

the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue, regular joint exercises, staff talks, efforts for joint research and co-production of new defence technologies, port calls, peacekeeping activities, information sharing, hydrography, capacity building, cadet training and exchanges, and defence industrial cooperation processes.[1]

The joint statement ‘welcomed the elevation of defence cooperation, including through cooperation on the BrahMos Missile System and the Air-to-Air Missile Cooperation Agreement’.[2] The Joint Statement underlines ‘the continued maritime cooperation, including in the fields of maritime domain awareness (MDA), maritime connectivity, and coastal surveillance’, which ‘contributes to delivering peace, security and prosperity in the region and greater stability in the wider Indo-Pacific region’.[3]

This visit also witnessed the ‘renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation and the conclusion of the Implementing Arrangement between BAKAMLA RI and Indian Coast Guard’.[4] Collaboration on defence industry and technology has emerged as one of the priority areas of cooperation. Both countries agreed to expand this cooperation for mutual benefit to include ‘joint production of equipment, technology transfer, technical assistance and capacity building, sourcing of defence equipment including cooperation in ship-building’.[5] The prime minister’s visit therefore strengthens the evolving partnership in a multi-dimensional framework.

Institutionalisation of Strategic Partnership

India’s strategic objective is to be a credible defence manufacturing hub and exporter by promoting the ‘Make in India’ initiative and achieving self-reliance through the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme. Defence cooperation between India and Indonesia may include joint production, technology transfer, defence research and development, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities and defence supply chain integration. The Defence Cooperation........

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