Indonesia President’s Visit on 76th Republic Day 

Syllabus: GS2/International Relation

Context

• The Indonesian President arrived in India as the chief guest for 76th India’s Republic Day celebrations—the fourth leader from the Southeast Asian country to grace the occasion. 

About

• To be invited by India as a chief guest for Republic Day indicates the closeness in ties between the two countries.
• The first President of Indonesia, was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day celebrations in 1950. 
• India and Indonesia signed pacts on maritime security, health, traditional medicine, culture and digital cooperation.

Key Highlights of PM’s Address 

• Indonesia is an “important partner” of India in the 10-nation ASEAN bloc as well as in the Indo-Pacific.
• He welcomed Indonesia in the BRICS grouping.
  • Indonesia became the first Southeast Asian nation to formally join BRICS.
• Cooperation in the field of maritime security, cyber security, counter-terrorism and de-radicalisation.
  • Two sides will conduct joint exercises by their respective disaster management teams.

India-Indonesia Relation & Significance

• History & Background: 
  • Foundation of Relations: The shared experience of colonialism, and common post-colonial goals of political sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency drove India’s friendly bilateral relationship with Indonesia in the late 1940s and 1950s.
    • In 1951, India and Indonesia signed a Treaty of Friendship which aimed at perpetual peace and unalterable friendship.
  • Founding NAM: India and Indonesia became the voice of independence of Asian and African countries in the UN, which led to Bandung Conference of 1955, and the subsequent formation of Non-Aligned Movement in 1961.
    • India and Indonesia were among the five founding leaders of NAM along with Yugoslavia, Egypt, and Ghana.
  • Look East:  Since the adoption of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ in 1991, and its upgradation to ‘Act East’ in 2014, there has been a rapid development of bilateral relations. 
• Geo-economics Relations: 
  • Trade Relations: Indonesia is the second largest trading partner of India in the ASEAN region (after Singapore).
    • Bilateral trade increased from $4.3 billion in 2005-06 to $38.84 billion in 2022-23 and $29.40 billion in 2023-24.
  • India-Indonesia bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. 
    • The Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific was also adopted.
• Geopolitical Engagement:
  • Shared Platforms: Both nations actively participate in major international forums like BRICS, G20, IORA, and the East Asia Summit, fostering cooperation on global issues.
  • Policy Alignment: India’s “Act East Policy” and “Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” align well with Indonesia’s “Global Maritime Fulcrum” vision, creating synergies for regional cooperation in areas like maritime security, connectivity, and economic development.
•  Geostrategic Importance:
  • Maritime Security: Indonesia’s strategic location between the Indian and Pacific Oceans makes it a crucial partner for maintaining maritime security and stability in the region.
  • Counterbalancing Influence: Indonesia’s strategic location and growing influence can help counterbalance China’s growing dominance in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with India’s strategic interests.
  • Counter-terrorism: Cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts is essential, given the shared challenges posed by extremism and transnational crime.
• Cultural Connections:
  • Deep-rooted Cultural Ties: Historical and cultural ties, particularly the influence of Hindu traditions and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, foster strong people-to-people connections between the two nations.
  • Tourism Potential: These shared cultural roots can be leveraged to boost tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Challenges

• Trade Imbalance: The trade balance is often skewed in favor of Indonesia, mainly due to high imports of palm oil and coal.
  • Both nations are looking for ways to diversify trade to reduce this imbalance.
• Regional Tensions: There are challenges posed by regional tensions and the changing dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, particularly with the rise of China.
  • Both countries are navigating these pressures while maintaining their strategic partnership.

Conclusion

• India and Indonesia enjoy a multi-faceted and growing relationship, underpinned by historical ties, economic collaboration, and shared security concerns. 
• Both countries have great potential to further deepen their partnership in the coming years, with a focus on regional stability, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

Source: TH