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Strengthening India-Indonesia Relations: Historical and Strategic Partnership

Why in the news?

India and Indonesia signed key agreements on maritime security, health, traditional medicine, culture, and digital cooperation during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit, marking a significant step in bilateral ties and defense collaboration.

Recent Developments

• On January 27, 2025, India and Indonesia signed agreements in maritime security, health, traditional medicine, culture, and digital cooperation.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto held a summit at Hyderabad House, New Delhi.
• The visit, early in Subianto’s tenure, aims to boost trade, maritime security, and defense cooperation.

Historical Ties

• Early Cooperation: Strong ties were built in the 1940s based on anti-imperialist ideals and democratic values.
• India supported Indonesia’s independence struggle (1945-1949) through diplomatic efforts, supplies, and labor union support.
• President Sukarno was the first Chief Guest of India’s Republic Day (1950), followed by Prime Minister Nehru’s visit to Indonesia.
• The Bandung Conference (1955) showcased joint leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

Phases of Drift and Renewal

• Tensions: Relations soured in the 1960s as Indonesia aligned with China and Pakistan.
• Diplomatic strains peaked during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, with Jakarta supplying arms to Pakistan.
• Revival: Under President Suharto (1967-1998), ties normalized with trade agreements.
• India’s 1990s economic reforms and the ‘Look East’ policy re-energized cooperation.
• Since 2014, the ‘Act East’ policy under Modi further elevated the partnership.
• Bilateral trade surged to $38.84 billion (2022-23), with Indonesia being India’s key coal and palm oil

The recent agreements signal a strengthened strategic partnership between the two nations.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times