India and Indonesia strengthen ties under Prabowo
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Source: The post India and Indonesia strengthen ties under Prabowo has been created, based on the article “President Prabowo Subianto’s Republic Day visit could pave the way for deeper India-Indonesia ties” published in “Indian Express” on 25th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting

Context: The article highlights growing India-Indonesia ties during President Prabowo’s visit. It emphasizes collaboration in BRICS, the Indo-Pacific, trilateral partnerships, and ASEAN forums. The focus is on overcoming differences, enhancing strategic ties, and shaping the Indo-Pacific’s future together.

For detailed information on Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance read this article here

What is the significance of President Prabowo’s Visit to India?

  1. Strengthening Strategic Partnership: The visit aims to establish a broader and more strategic India-Indonesia partnership, reflecting Prabowo’s vision of Indonesia as a global player beyond ASEAN.
  2. Past Cooperation: Collaboration during India and Indonesia’s consecutive G20 presidencies in 2022 and 2023 enhanced bilateral ties.

What Challenges Does the New Partnership Face?

  1. Building Rapport Between Foreign Ministers:
  • The success of the partnership depends on how India’s S Jaishankar and Indonesia’s new foreign minister, Sugiono, establish a working relationship.
  • A strong ministerial rapport is necessary to achieve the high-profile Modi-Prabowo dynamic, which was limited under the Modi-Jokowi relationship.
  1. Managing Differences Over China:
  • Indonesia has deep economic ties with China, making it cautious in aligning fully with India’s stance on Beijing.
  • Despite this, Prabowo’s tendency for autonomous policymaking creates room for collaboration beyond the “China factor.”
  1. Myanmar Issue: India and Indonesia hold different views on Myanmar, but their continued dialogue presents an opportunity to find common ground.

What Opportunities Does the New Partnership Face?

  1. BRICS Membership: Indonesia joined BRICS in 2023, opening avenues for collaboration similar to India and Brazil’s cooperation within the bloc.
  2. Indo-Pacific Collaboration: Indonesia now supports India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and has committed to the maritime resources pillar, aligning with ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
  3. Trilateral Frameworks: Partnerships with Australia and Japan, especially through security initiatives like Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) to Indonesia, offer new possibilities for strategic collaboration.
  4. ASEAN Integration: Inviting Indonesia to join BIMSTEC could further enhance its role in India’s eastern neighborhood.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges and opportunities in strengthening the India-Indonesia strategic partnership under President Prabowo’s leadership.


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