DPG Policy Brief
75 Years of India-Indonesia Relations: Prabowo’s State Visit to India
The Indonesian President, Prabowo Subianto, undertook a three-day state visit to India from January 23-26, 2025, where he held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day. This was his first official trip to India since assuming office in October 2024, and coincided with the 75th anniversary of India-Indonesia diplomatic ties.
This brief examines the joint statement issued at the end of the Indonesian leader's visit and highlights its major outcomes. It also underscores the upward trajectory of bilateral relations, building upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership concluded in 2018.
Major highlights from the joint statement included the conclusion of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which included the renewal of a maritime safety and security cooperation agreement between the Indian Coast Guard and Indonesia's BAKAMLA. In addition to defence, the joint statement covered cooperation in various sectors, including health and pharmaceuticals, food security, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange.
The two leaders exchanged views on the ‘Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea’ (DOC) and called for an early conclusion of an effective and substantive ‘Code of Conduct’ (COC) in that region. They also highlighted the importance of both countries’ participation in various multilateral forums.
While there appeared to be progress on enhanced defence and maritime cooperation, no specifics were announced. Certain areas were left unaddressed in the joint statement, including the Sabang connectivity project and an agreement to delimit the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The author concludes that there have been significant shifts in Indonesia's foreign policy under President Prabowo. His early visits to China, the US, Peru, Brazil, and the UK have attracted media attention, as they signalled Indonesia’s attempt to move beyond a long-held ASEAN-centric approach.
Prabowo’s visit to India has undoubtedly infused fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship, However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into tangible progress moving forward.
This brief examines the joint statement issued at the end of the Indonesian leader's visit and highlights its major outcomes. It also underscores the upward trajectory of bilateral relations, building upon the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership concluded in 2018.
Major highlights from the joint statement included the conclusion of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which included the renewal of a maritime safety and security cooperation agreement between the Indian Coast Guard and Indonesia's BAKAMLA. In addition to defence, the joint statement covered cooperation in various sectors, including health and pharmaceuticals, food security, counter-terrorism, and cultural exchange.
The two leaders exchanged views on the ‘Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea’ (DOC) and called for an early conclusion of an effective and substantive ‘Code of Conduct’ (COC) in that region. They also highlighted the importance of both countries’ participation in various multilateral forums.
While there appeared to be progress on enhanced defence and maritime cooperation, no specifics were announced. Certain areas were left unaddressed in the joint statement, including the Sabang connectivity project and an agreement to delimit the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The author concludes that there have been significant shifts in Indonesia's foreign policy under President Prabowo. His early visits to China, the US, Peru, Brazil, and the UK have attracted media attention, as they signalled Indonesia’s attempt to move beyond a long-held ASEAN-centric approach.
Prabowo’s visit to India has undoubtedly infused fresh momentum into the bilateral relationship, However, it remains to be seen whether this will translate into tangible progress moving forward.
