India and Indonesia elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018
India’s Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita concluded an official visit to the Republic of Indonesia on October 19-20, 2024, marking a reaffirmation of the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations. The visit centered around his participation in the inauguration ceremony of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, held at the Parliament complex in Jakarta on October 20, 2024.

Inauguration Ceremony of Indonesian Leadership
President Prabowo Subianto, who was sworn in as Indonesia’s eighth president, and Vice President Rakabuming Raka, were both warmly congratulated by Margherita on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gesture was reciprocated with gratitude by President Prabowo. A former defence minister of Indonesia, President Prabowo takes the helm of the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and India’s outreach during this significant political moment reaffirms its focus on nurturing diplomatic and strategic bonds with Southeast Asian nations.

As part of his visit, Minister Margherita also engaged in discussions with the heads of prominent Indian companies operating in Indonesia, further reinforcing India’s economic presence in the region. This dialogue focused on deepening business ties, facilitating investments, and expanding economic cooperation between the two nations.

“Had a meaningful conversation with business leaders representing prominent Indian companies present in Indonesia. Discussed the ongoing investment projects in Indonesia. Indonesia has emerged as India’s second largest trade partner in ASEAN!” Margherita posted on social media platform X.

India and Indonesia, both significant maritime neighbors, share long-standing ties rooted in history, culture, and commerce. Indonesia is one of India’s most important strategic partners in Southeast Asia, and the two nations have worked closely in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and trade. India has a significant economic presence in Indonesia, with leading companies across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology playing a pivotal role in fostering economic collaboration.

The interaction with Indian business leaders during the visit reflects India’s commitment to ensuring that its economic ties with Indonesia remain robust, especially at a time when global trade dynamics are shifting.

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
The visit by MoS Margherita is part of India’s broader foreign policy focus on strengthening relations with its neighbors in Southeast Asia, with Indonesia standing as a key pillar in this strategy. As the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, India’s ‘Act East’ policy—aimed at enhancing ties with ASEAN countries—has further cemented Indonesia’s role as a critical partner for India in the Indo-Pacific region.

Since the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, India and Indonesia have collaborated across a wide range of sectors, including defence, trade, investment, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Maritime security cooperation, in particular, has emerged as a central pillar of this partnership, with both nations working together to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A Decade of the Act East Policy
2024 marks the tenth anniversary of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, which has sought to enhance India’s engagement with ASEAN countries, including Indonesia. Under this policy, India has actively pursued strategic and economic cooperation with its eastern neighbors, with Indonesia playing a central role in India’s Indo-Pacific strategy.

The evolving Indo-Pacific security environment, the need for coordinated responses to maritime security threats, and the growing economic potential in Southeast Asia provide a strong foundation for further collaboration between India and Indonesia.

MoS External Affairs Pabitra Margherita’s visit to Indonesia, centered around the inauguration of President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, underscores the depth and breadth of the India-Indonesia relationship. Through strategic dialogues with Indonesian leaders and the Indian business community, Margherita’s visit not only reaffirms India’s commitment to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Indonesia but also highlights the importance of continued cooperation in a rapidly evolving regional and global landscape.