Strengthening India-Indonesia Ties Beyond China Factor

About Strengthening India-Indonesia Ties Beyond China Factor

• • The Republic Day visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India marks a pivotal moment in the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
  • The evolving dynamicsreflect aspirations for a broader and deeper strategic partnership, emphasizing mutual goals and regional collaboration.
  • India and Indonesia must also identify areas of collaboration beyond the China factor – The Indo-Pacific is one such domain.
• Growing Engagement Between India-Indonesia:
  • Past diplomatic framework:
    • During the 2nd terms of Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, foreign ministers Retno Marsudi and S. Jaishankar established a solid diplomatic rapport through regular consultations.
    • Strengthened ties were further highlighted during their respective presidencies of the G20 in 2022 and 2023.
  • Shared global aspirations: Both Prabowo and Modi seek to elevate their countries’ global stature, showcasing ambitions that align on fostering strategic autonomy.
• Key Opportunities for Collaboration Between India-Indonesia:
  • BRICS and beyond:
    • Indonesia’s BRICS membership, granted in 2023, offers avenues for cooperation.
    • Leveraging the platform, the two nations can bring strategic weight to the bloc, focusing on common interests while navigating Indonesia’s economic ties with China.
  • Indo-Pacific focus:
    • Indonesia’s evolution in embracing the Indo-Pacific concept, particularly its alignment with India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), offers potential for maritime collaboration
    • Joint efforts under the IPOI’s maritime resources pillar can further regional objectives.
  • Integrating IPOI and AOIP:
    • Under Jokowi, Indonesia played a leading role in crafting ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
    • Indonesia has committed to supporting the maritime resources pillarunder the IPOI.
    • By collaborating on projects within this pillar, the two nations can promote a pro-regional agenda beyond ASEAN, aligning with Prabowo’s vision of creating an “ASEAN Plus” policy.
  • Trilateral partnerships:
    • Existing frameworks like the India-Indonesia-Australia trilateraloffer opportunities for enhanced cooperation.
    • Prabowo’s visit opens the possibility of integrating Japaninto this dynamic, creating a robust trilateral partnership for regional security and development.
  • Regional architecture engagement:
    • India and Indonesia can collaborate more effectively in ASEAN-led mechanisms like the East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).
    • Expanding prior consultations can address divergent views, particularly on issues like Myanmar.
  • BIMSTEC integration: Inviting Indonesia to join the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) can bolster itsintegration with India’s eastern neighborhood, enhancing regional cooperation.

• Challenges and Strategic Considerations:
  • Navigating the China factor: While Indonesia’s deep economic ties with China may influence its policies, Prabowo’s independent policy making offers space for cooperation with India beyond Beijing’s influence.
  • New foreign minister dynamics: Building a rapport between India’s Jaishankar and Indonesia’s new foreign minister Sugiono is crucial to realizing a strong Modi-Prabowo partnership.
• Conclusion:
  • Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India presents an opportunity to redefine and strengthen India-Indonesia relations.
  • Leveraging platforms like BRICS, IPOI, and trilateral partnerships, both nations can enhance strategic collaboration.
  • Despite challenges, focusing on convergence areas can significantly impact the Indo-Pacific and global order, positioning both nations as key regional players.