The North News
New Delhi, November 27
India and Indonesia have pledged to expand defence cooperation after senior ministers met in New Delhi for the third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, co-chaired the meeting today, reaffirming what both sides described as a long-standing and increasingly strategic partnership. The ministers recalled Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade earlier this year, noting that his talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “significantly strengthened” the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Indonesia’s participation in the parade, with 352 military personnel, was cited as a symbol of growing defence ties.
The dialogue centred on security in the Indo-Pacific, with both countries stressing the need for a free, open and stable region governed by international law. Indonesia reiterated that India remained a key partner in advancing ASEAN’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, while New Delhi highlighted areas for wider cooperation under the Indian Ocean Rim Association during its term as chair.
Both ministers committed to boosting maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience and operational readiness. They also signalled support for closer coordination in multilateral forums, including ASEAN-led security mechanisms. The New Delhi proposed setting up a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to expand collaboration in technology transfer, joint R&D, certification and supply-chain integration—an initiative Indonesia welcomed.
The two sides noted progress in joint military exercises, including Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti and MILAN, and agreed to deepen officer exchanges, training programmes and institutional visits.
Indonesia expressed interest in India’s submarine design and production experience, particularly the Scorpene-class programme, as it pursues future underwater capability. Defence medical cooperation—covering research, pharmaceuticals and joint training—was also discussed.
Both countries reiterated their support for humanitarian efforts and called for a just and lasting peace in Palestine. Indonesia reaffirmed its readiness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under a UN mandate. India also announced it would gift horses and a ceremonial carriage from the Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps to Indonesia.
