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Strengthening India-Indonesia Ties Beyond China Factor

25-01-2025

06:15 AM

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1 min read
Strengthening India-Indonesia Ties Beyond China Factor  Blog Image

Context:

  • The Republic Day visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
  • The evolving dynamics reflect aspirations for a broader and deeper strategic partnership, emphasizing mutual goals and regional collaboration.
  • India and Indonesia must also identify areas of collaboration beyond the China factor - The Indo-Pacific is one such domain.

Growing Engagement Between India-Indonesia:

  • Past diplomatic framework:
    • During the 2nd terms of Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, foreign ministers Retno Marsudi and S. Jaishankar established a solid diplomatic rapport through regular consultations.
    • Strengthened ties were further highlighted during their respective presidencies of the G20 in 2022 and 2023.
  • Shared global aspirations: Both Prabowo and Modi seek to elevate their countries' global stature, showcasing ambitions that align on fostering strategic autonomy.

Key Opportunities for Collaboration Between India-Indonesia:

  • BRICS and beyond:
    • Indonesia’s BRICS membership, granted in 2023, offers avenues for cooperation.
    • Leveraging the platform, the two nations can bring strategic weight to the bloc, focusing on common interests while navigating Indonesia's economic ties with China.
  • Indo-Pacific focus:
    • Indonesia's evolution in embracing the Indo-Pacific concept, particularly its alignment with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), offers potential for maritime collaboration.
    • Joint efforts under the IPOI’s maritime resources pillar can further regional objectives.
  • Integrating IPOI and AOIP:
    • Under Jokowi, Indonesia played a leading role in crafting ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
    • Indonesia has committed to supporting the maritime resources pillar under the IPOI.
    • By collaborating on projects within this pillar, the two nations can promote a pro-regional agenda beyond ASEAN, aligning with Prabowo’s vision of creating an “ASEAN Plus” policy.
  • Trilateral partnerships:
    • Existing frameworks like the India-Indonesia-Australia trilateral offer opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
    • Prabowo’s visit opens the possibility of integrating Japan into this dynamic, creating a robust trilateral partnership for regional security and development.
  • Regional architecture engagement:
    • India and Indonesia can collaborate more effectively in ASEAN-led mechanisms like the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
    • Expanding prior consultations can address divergent views, particularly on issues like Myanmar.
  • BIMSTEC integration: Inviting Indonesia to join the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) can bolster its integration with India’s eastern neighborhood, enhancing regional cooperation.

Challenges and Strategic Considerations:

  • Navigating the China factor: While Indonesia’s deep economic ties with China may influence its policies, Prabowo’s independent policy making offers space for cooperation with India beyond Beijing’s influence.
  • New foreign minister dynamics: Building a rapport between India’s Jaishankar and Indonesia’s new foreign minister Sugiono is crucial to realizing a strong Modi-Prabowo partnership.

Conclusion:

  • Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India presents an opportunity to redefine and strengthen India-Indonesia relations.
  • Leveraging platforms like BRICS, IPOI, and trilateral partnerships, both nations can enhance strategic collaboration.
  • Despite challenges, focusing on convergence areas can significantly impact the Indo-Pacific and global order, positioning both nations as key regional players.

Q1. What is India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)?

Ans. IPOI is a non-treaty-based voluntary arrangement that promotes cooperation for a free and open Indo-Pacific and the rules-based regional order.

Q2. What is the IORA?

Ans. The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an intergovernmental organization that promotes economic cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. 

Q3. What is the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)?

Ans. The BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven South Asian and Southeast Asian nations which aims to promote economic growth and social progress in the Bay of Bengal region. 

Q4. What is the significance of the expansion of BRICS?

Ans. The rise of BRICS (and now BRICS+) reflects a shared belief among important emerging players that the Western-dominated, rules-based international order is both stacked against their interests and fundamentally outdated.

Q5. What is the significance of India's 'Act East' policy?

Ans. India's "Act East" policy is significant as it aims to foster strong economic, strategic, and cultural ties with Southeast Asian nations, promoting connectivity with its northeastern states, and acting as a counterbalance to China's growing presence in the region. 

Source:IE