New Delhi [India], November 27 (ANI): India and Indonesia on Thursday agreed to deepen defence cooperation by enhancing maritime security coordination and collaboration in defence technology, during the 3rd India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. The meeting was co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
The discussions focused on strengthening defence industry partnerships, expanding military-to-military engagements, and reinforcing a shared strategic vision for a free, open, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Both sides emphasized the importance of a rules-based order in the region and highlighted the convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative.
The ministers agreed to intensify cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, and joint operational readiness, while deepening engagement through regional frameworks, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association under India’s chairmanship. Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to advance technology transfer, joint research and development, certification harmonization, and supply-chain linkages.
The Dialogue also reviewed progress in military engagements, including joint exercises such as Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti, MILAN, and upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises. Both nations committed to continuing officer exchanges, joint training programmes, and institutional visits to strengthen interoperability.
India’s expertise in submarine development and supply-chain management, particularly the Scorpene-class programme, was acknowledged as valuable for Indonesia’s future defence capability plans. Discussions also covered defence medicine and pharmaceuticals, exploring joint research, technology transfer, and training to enhance military health resilience.
The ministers reaffirmed support for a just and lasting peace in Palestine, with Indonesia expressing readiness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under a UN mandate. They also recognized opportunities to collaborate on humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction, and multilateral peace efforts.
In a symbolic gesture reflecting strong bilateral ties, India announced it would gift horses and a ceremonial carriage to Indonesia from the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Dialogue and committed to sustaining high-level exchanges and practical cooperation across defence and security areas to strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI)
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