India, Indonesia defence minister strengthens ties, strategic partnership

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – India Ministry of Defence on Thursday in a statement issued stated that the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin discussed multiple matters pertained to strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin co-chaired the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue here today, reaffirming the long-standing strategic partnership and deepening bilateral defence cooperation.

India and Indonesia reiterated the importance of maintaining a free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, guided by international law and respect for sovereignty.

It noted that the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative share relevant fundamental principles, Indonesia reiterated that India remains a key partner in promoting peace and cooperation in the region.

Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation through multilateral frameworks such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association under India’s chairmanship.

The two nations committed to enhancing practical cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, and joint operational readiness.

The Dialogue reaffirmed the strong foundation of bilateral defence cooperation, including the Defence Cooperation Agreement and the work of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee.

Indonesia appreciated India’s proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as technology transfer, joint R&D, certification harmonization, and supply-chain linkages.

India and Indonesia highlighted the progress in joint exercises across land, maritime, and air forces, including Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti, MILAN, and upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises.

They agreed to continue officer exchanges, joint training programmes, and visits to defence education institutions to promote interoperability and knowledge sharing.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to maritime security, including coordination in the Indian Ocean.

Indonesia welcomed India’s initiatives, emphasized cooperation within ASEAN-led ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and other structures.

The statement stressed that India’s experience in submarine development and supply-chain management, including Scorpene-class programmes, was acknowledged as highly valuable for Indonesia’s future plans.

Both leaders discussed collaboration in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals, including joint research, technology transfer, and training programmes to strengthen military health resilience.

They reaffirmed their commitment to a just and lasting peace in Palestine, and acknowledged opportunities for cooperation in humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, and multilateral peace efforts.

Indonesia reaffirmed its readiness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under the UN Mandate.