India-Indonesia Ties as a Beacon for Global Relations

Context

• The relationship between India and Indonesia is one of deep historical significance and strategic importance.
• The recent visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations highlighted the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
• This visit served as a reminder of their shared history, economic potential, and security collaboration, reinforcing their crucial role in shaping the Indo-Pacific region and global geopolitical dynamics.

India-Indonesia Relations: Historical Foundations and Evolution of Ties

• Shared Struggles for Independence
  • The historical ties between India and Indonesia are deeply rooted in shared experiences of colonisation, independence, and the subsequent quest for self-determination.
  • The relationship between the two nations dates back to the period of their independence movements in the 20th century, with both countries emerging as independent republics within a few years of each other.
  • India, having gained independence from British rule in 1947, quickly charted its course as the world’s largest democracy.
  • Indonesia followed in 1945, declaring its independence from Dutch colonial rule, though it was not until 1949 that Indonesia’s sovereignty was internationally recognised.
• Symbolic Beginnings: The 1950 Republic Day Invitation
  • The first formal gesture of this mutual respect occurred in 1950, during India’s inaugural Republic Day celebrations.
  • Indonesia’s founding father and first president, Sukarno, was invited to attend as the chief guest, an honour that symbolised the beginning of a diplomatic relationship based on mutual understanding and cooperation.
  • This moment set the tone for a relationship characterised by shared values of democracy, non-alignment, and peaceful co-existence.
• Strengthening Diplomatic and Economic Ties
  • As both nations embarked on their journeys as newly sovereign states, their leaders recognized the importance of developing strong diplomatic and economic ties.
  • The early years of their relationship were marked by cooperation in the international arena, particularly through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which both India and Indonesia played pivotal roles in shaping.
  • The NAM, established in the mid-20th century, sought to create an alternative bloc to the Cold War divisions of the Western and Eastern blocs, emphasizing a third path that promoted peace, cooperation, and independence from superpower influence.
• Bilateral Engagements and Cultural Exchange
  • In the decades following their independence, the two countries strengthened their relationship through various bilateral engagements.
  • India and Indonesia signed numerous agreements, including trade and economic cooperation pacts, and developed cultural exchanges that further deepened their ties.
  • These exchanges were reflective of both nations' rich cultural heritages, which offered a strong foundation for mutual respect and collaboration.
• Consistent Leadership Visits
  • The repeated visits of Indonesian presidents to India, including the recent visit by President Prabowo Subianto, underscore the enduring nature of this partnership.
  • President Prabowo’s visit marked the fourth time an Indonesian leader had been invited as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations, a testament to the consistent and growing importance of the relationship.
  • These visits have been instrumental in enhancing bilateral cooperation and opening new avenues for collaboration in diverse sectors, including trade, defence, technology, and education.

The Key Aspects of India-Indonesia Relations

• Trade as a Pillar of Growth
  • Economic cooperation has been a key aspect of India-Indonesia relations.
  • Although a trade agreement was signed in 1966, there remains vast untapped potential for expanding economic ties.
  • Currently, bilateral trade stands at approximately $30 billion, but there are ambitions to quadruple this figure over the next decade.
  • A recent CEOs Forum in New Delhi, co-chaired by the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Indian business leader Ajay S. Shriram, identified five key sectors for growth: energy, food and agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
  • By focusing on innovation and strengthening bilateral supply chains, both nations can unlock new economic opportunities.
  • With projected economic growth rates of 6.5% for India and 5.1% for Indonesia, both nations are well-positioned to thrive despite global economic uncertainties.
• Security and Strategic Cooperation
  • Security cooperation forms another crucial pillar of the India-Indonesia partnership.
  • The 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has significantly strengthened defence ties, especially in maritime security.
  • As two nations with extensive coastlines and vital shipping lanes, ensuring the safety of their waters is paramount.
  • President Prabowo’s visit further reinforced commitments to counterterrorism and cybersecurity cooperation.
  • Given the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific, closer military and strategic collaboration is essential to safeguarding regional stability and economic prosperity.
  • Both countries recognise the need to address common security challenges, including cyber threats and territorial disputes.

Geopolitical Significance of India-Indonesia Relations

• Beyond their bilateral relationship, India and Indonesia play vital roles in global geopolitics.
• Indonesia’s recent invitation to join the BRICS group aligns it with other emerging economies, including India and China.
• Meanwhile, both nations maintain significant relations with the United States and other Western powers.
• However, global trade faces challenges, including potential U.S. tariffs that could impact both economies.
• As a resource-rich nation, Indonesia seeks to export key commodities such as nickel, copper, tin, and bauxite to markets like the U.S. and India.

Meanwhile, India’s expanding manufacturing sector presents opportunities for mutually beneficial trade arrangements.

Conclusion

• President Prabowo’s visit reaffirmed the deep and enduring partnership between India and Indonesia.
• Their relationship, now 76 years old, continues to evolve, driven by trade, security, and strategic cooperation.
• As they navigate global economic and geopolitical shifts, their collaboration will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
• By strengthening ties, India and Indonesia not only enhance their own prosperity and security but also contribute to a more stable and sustainable world.

Q1. When did the formal relationship between India and Indonesia begin?
Ans. The formal relationship began in 1950 when Indonesia’s President Sukarno was invited as the chief guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day celebrations.

Q2. How did India and Indonesia initially strengthen their ties?
Ans. Both countries strengthened their ties through cooperation in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), emphasizing peace, independence, and non-alignment during the Cold War.

Q3. What was the significance of the 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)?
Ans. The CSP marked a milestone in bilateral ties by expanding cooperation to include defense, maritime security, counterterrorism, and cyber security.

Q4. How do cultural exchanges contribute to India-Indonesia relations?
Ans. Cultural exchanges have deepened mutual respect and collaboration, reflecting the shared cultural heritages of both nations.

Q5. What role does the India-Indonesia partnership play in regional stability?
Ans. The partnership is a cornerstone of peace, prosperity, and stability in the Indo-Pacific, with both countries addressing global challenges together. 

Source:The Hindu