How Valuable is India's Submarine Development Expertise for Indonesia's Future Plans?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant meeting in New Delhi, India and Indonesia emphasized the importance of a stable Indo-Pacific, highlighting India's submarine development expertise as vital for Indonesia's future. The discussions also explored enhancing bilateral defence ties and cooperation in various domains, emphasizing a commitment to peace and regional security.
Key Takeaways
- India and Indonesia prioritize a stable Indo-Pacific.
- India's submarine development expertise is crucial for Indonesia.
- Enhanced bilateral defence cooperation is a mutual goal.
- Commitment to maritime security is emphasized.
- Both nations aim to foster regional peace through collaboration.
New Delhi, Nov 27 (NationPress) India and Indonesia reaffirmed the necessity of a free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, as guided by international law and a commitment to sovereignty. Both nations agreed to bolster collaboration through multilateral frameworks, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association, under India's leadership.
During discussions aimed at fortifying bilateral defence relations and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin co-chaired the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue in New Delhi.
Significantly, Indonesia praised India's expertise in submarine development and supply chain management, particularly referencing the Scorpene-class programs, which they deemed highly beneficial for Indonesia’s future endeavors.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, both nations acknowledged that the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific aligns with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, reiterating India's role as a vital partner in fostering peace and cooperation in the region. They committed to enhancing collaborative efforts in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, and joint operational readiness.
Both Ministers recalled the visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Celebrations earlier this year. They affirmed that the productive discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto have significantly strengthened the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They also noted the involvement of 352 personnel from the Indonesian Armed Forces in the celebrations.
Indonesia appreciated India's initiative to form a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee, aiming to enhance collaboration in areas such as technology transfer, joint research and development, certification harmonization, and supply chain linkages.
India also announced the gifting of horses and a ceremonial carriage to Indonesia from the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps. Both ministers expressed satisfaction regarding the outcomes of the Dialogue and emphasized the importance of ongoing high-level exchanges and structured cooperation across various defence and security domains.
Following the meeting, Rajnath Singh emphasized that the defence collaboration between India and Indonesia has significantly expanded in recent years, driven by a shared commitment to regional security.
“I was pleased to meet Indonesian Defence Minister General Retd. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in New Delhi. Our defence collaboration, rooted in our commitment to maintaining regional security, has grown immensely in recent years. In today’s discussions, we engaged in an open dialogue to further bolster our defence cooperation and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” Singh shared on X.
Both nations highlighted advancements in joint military exercises, including Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti, MILAN, and the forthcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises. They agreed to continue officer exchanges, joint training initiatives, and visits to defence education institutions to enhance interoperability and knowledge sharing.
The two countries also reiterated their commitment to maritime security, including coordination in the Indian Ocean. Indonesia welcomed India’s efforts, stressing collaborations within the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and other frameworks.
Additionally, they addressed cooperation in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals, including joint research, technology transfer, and training programs to enhance military health resilience. They reaffirmed their dedication to achieving a just and lasting peace in Palestine and acknowledged opportunities for collaboration in humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, and multilateral peace initiatives. Indonesia reaffirmed its readiness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under a United Nations mandate.
Earlier in the day, Singh welcomed Sjamsoeddin at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan in New Delhi, where a Guard of Honour was presented prior to their meeting.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the ongoing strategic partnership between India and Indonesia. This growing relationship not only enhances defence capabilities but also fosters regional stability and cooperation. In light of current global dynamics, such alliances are crucial for maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.
NationPress
27/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main focus of the India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue?
The dialogue primarily focused on strengthening bilateral defence ties, enhancing cooperation in maritime security, and recognizing India's submarine development expertise as crucial for Indonesia's future plans.
How does India's submarine development expertise benefit Indonesia?
India's experience in submarine development, particularly with Scorpene-class programs, is seen as highly valuable for Indonesia's future strategic initiatives.
What agreements were made during the dialogue?
Both nations agreed to enhance collaboration through multilateral frameworks and committed to practical cooperation in various areas, including maritime domain awareness and cyber resilience.
What was discussed regarding joint military exercises?
The two countries highlighted advancements in joint military exercises, including Super Garuda Shield and Garuda Shakti, and agreed to continue officer exchanges and joint training programs.
How did both nations express their commitment to regional peace?
Both countries reaffirmed their dedication to achieving a lasting peace in Palestine and discussed opportunities for collaboration in humanitarian assistance and multilateral peace efforts.
