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?
- 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.
- 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?
- 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.
- 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.”
- 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?
- BRICS Membership: Indonesia joined BRICS in 2023, opening avenues for collaboration similar to India and Brazil’s cooperation within the bloc.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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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