Indonesia and India Strengthen Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific

The recent agreement between Indonesia and India to deepen maritime cooperation marks a significant milestone in the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region. Driven by shared interests in promoting regional stability, countering China’s growing influence, and enhancing economic ties, this initiative spans defense manufacturing, trade diversification, maritime safety, and security. This strategic partnership reflects a pivotal shift in bilateral relations, aiming to foster a more stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Overview of Indonesia and India’s Maritime Cooperation

The agreement between Indonesia and India underscores the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region. Key objectives include promoting regional stability, countering China’s influence, and enhancing economic collaboration. The partnership focuses on defense manufacturing, trade diversification, and maritime safety and security. Both nations have committed to joint efforts in defense production and diversifying their trade basket, which is expected to boost economic growth and create new opportunities GCAPTAIN. The agreement also emphasizes maritime safety, including crime prevention, search and rescue, and counter-terrorism operations, as part of a broader strategy to enhance regional security JSTOR.

Defense Manufacturing Partnership

Indonesia and India have strengthened their defense manufacturing partnership, focusing on joint production, supply chain development, and establishing a defense manufacturing hub. This collaboration aims to enhance defense capabilities, counter regional threats, and reduce costs while boosting economic growth and job creation. The partnership is a strategic move to ensure regional security and advance defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific Indonesia, India Vow to Deepen And Increase Maritime.

Trade Diversification Initiatives

Indonesia and India are actively diversifying their trade basket, focusing on sectors like technology, agriculture, and energy. This strategy aligns with their economic goals and enhances regional stability. Bilateral trade has surged from $4.3 billion in 2005-06 to over $10 billion, making Indonesia India’s second-largest trading partner in the ASEAN bloc Hindustan Times. The diversification reduces reliance on traditional commodities, opens new markets, and strengthens economic resilience, contributing to a balanced regional economy.

Joint Efforts in Maritime Safety

Indonesia and India have made significant progress in maritime safety and security through joint initiatives like the Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX). This multilateral event enhances operational capabilities and strengthens partnerships, with the Indian Navy participating in 47 MPXs involving 28 countries, including Indonesia Source. Exercises like the India-France-UAE MPX in June 2023 and the Bay of Bengal exercise with Australia in November 2022 demonstrate high interoperability and readiness. These efforts bolster maritime safety, secure trade routes, and advance defense collaboration.

Promoting a Rule-Based Order

Indonesia and India are committed to promoting a rule-based order in the Indo-Pacific, emphasizing freedom of navigation and regional stability. They engage in initiatives like the Malabar series of exercises and joint surveillance centers to enhance maritime domain awareness and counter threats. Both nations support the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and advocate for peaceful dispute resolution, countering China’s territorial ambitions India and Indonesia: Converging Maritime Interests in the Indo-Pacific Region.

Pacts on Maritime Security

The 2018 maritime security pact between Indonesia and India outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation in crime prevention, search and rescue, and maritime domain awareness. This agreement strengthens regional cooperation and counters threats like piracy and terrorism, reinforcing their shared commitment to a secure Indo-Pacific Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region India and Indonesia deepen cooperation in defense, trade and maritime security.

Conclusion

The agreement between Indonesia and India to deepen maritime cooperation reflects their commitment to regional stability and economic growth. By focusing on defense manufacturing, trade diversification, and maritime safety, the two nations are countering China’s regional ambitions while securing their economic interests. This strategic partnership is set to redefine the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific, fostering a more stable and prosperous environment.

Sources

• GCAPTAIN – Indonesia, India Vow to Deepen And Increase Maritime Cooperation
• JSTOR – Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific
• Hindustan Times – India, Indonesia eye closer cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security
• ABC News – India and Indonesia deepen cooperation in defense, trade and maritime security
• Maritime India – India and Indonesia: Converging Maritime Interests in the Indo-Pacific Region
• Ministry of External Affairs, India – Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific Region