India-Indonesia Strengthen Maritime Ties With Renewed Agreements

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto paid a state visit to India from January 23 to 26, 2025. President Prabowo also attended India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, alongside side high-level delegation comprising Indonesian ministers, senior officials, and business representatives.

The visit coincided with the 75th anniversary of India-Indonesia diplomatic relations and marked the first official visit by President Prabowo in his current capacity.

352 Indonesian Armed Forces personnel participated in the Republic Day Parade, featuring both a marching contingent and a marching band.

President Prabowo was accorded a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat before holding bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi.

The leaders witnessed the signing of multiple cooperation agreements covering defence, maritime security, health, digital technology, and economic partnerships.

The visit focused on enhancing ties in defence production, supply chains, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, maritime safety, and navigation freedom.

India and Indonesia adopted the “Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific” in 2018, which continues to guide their partnership.

Both countries welcomed the ratification of the Agreement on Cooperation in Defense (DCA) and agreed to hold the next Defense Ministers’ Dialogue soon.

– Bilateral military exercises such as Garuda Shakti (Army) and Samudra Shakti (Navy).
– Coordinated patrols and participation in multilateral exercises like Milan and Super Garuda Shield.
– Cadet exchanges between naval academies and defence institutions.
– Collaborative efforts in defence manufacturing, with India supporting Indonesia’s modernisation programs through expertise sharing.

On maritime cooperation, discussions revolved around enhancing safety in the Malacca and Singapore Straits, hydrography collaboration, and submarine search-and-rescue initiatives. Both nations renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation and are progressing on a White Shipping Information Exchange (WSIE) agreement.

Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms. They praised the outcomes of the 6th Joint Working Group Meeting on Counter-Terrorism held in Jakarta in August 2024. The renewal of the MoU on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation was also welcomed, with India offering specialised training courses through its National Security Guard (NSG).

Indonesia remains India’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching $29.4 billion in 2023-24. During the visit, the leaders agreed to strengthen its economic ties by:
– Convening the 2nd Working Group on Trade and Investment and resolving tariff barriers.
– Concluding the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) review by 2025.
– Promoting investments and financial integration through the Local Currency Settlement Systems (LCSS).

The two nations also welcomed the 3rd CEOs Forum held during the visit, aimed at enhancing trade and investment opportunities.

The leaders signed MoUs on Health Cooperation and Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance to strengthen partnerships in healthcare. They agreed to share best practices in digital health and conduct training programs for healthcare professionals.

References: Indian Ministry of External Affairs

Source: Maritime Shipping News