India Indonesia Relations Strengthened In 2019

In 2019, a significant upswing marked the bilateral relations between India and Indonesia, catalyzed by the Indian Prime Minister's visit. This engagement led to the formal elevation of the relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underpinned by a shared vision for maritime cooperation within the Indo-Pacific region. Ambitious plans were also unveiled to establish a direct connectivity link between the Andaman Nicobar Islands and Aceh province, aiming to stimulate economic growth in both areas.

A particularly strategic development was Indonesia's agreement to grant India access for investment and development to Sabang Island, a location of immense geopolitical importance due to its proximity to the Malacca Strait. This cooperation is viewed as a crucial element in balancing China's growing influence in the Indian Ocean, bolstering India's Act East Policy, and stimulating trade and investment flows. The SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision advocated by India aligns seamlessly with Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum doctrine. Complementing these developments, India and Singapore concluded a bilateral agreement permitting Indian Navy vessels logistical support at Singapore's Changi Naval Base, strategically positioned near the contested South China Sea.

India and Indonesia: A Deepening Strategic Embrace in the Indo-Pacific

The year 2019 witnessed a notable deepening of the strategic partnership between India and Indonesia, manifested through a series of high-level engagements and concrete agreements. This burgeoning relationship is not merely a symbolic gesture of goodwill but represents a calculated and multifaceted approach to addressing the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of China's increasing assertiveness. The strengthening of ties between these two maritime nations holds significant implications for regional security, economic cooperation, and the balance of power in the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Historical Foundations and Contemporary Imperatives

The modern relationship between India and Indonesia is rooted in a shared history of anti-colonial solidarity and a commitment to South-South cooperation. Both nations were instrumental in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Bandung Conference of 1955, which laid the groundwork for a more equitable and multipolar world order. The Bandung Conference, held in Indonesia, was a pivotal moment, bringing together newly independent Asian and African nations to forge a common agenda based on principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and peaceful coexistence. This historical connection provides a strong foundation for the contemporary strategic partnership.

However, the dynamics of the 21st century necessitate a recalibration of this relationship. The rise of China as a global power, its increasing military presence in the Indian Ocean, and its assertive posture in the South China Sea have created new strategic imperatives for both India and Indonesia. Both countries recognize the need to safeguard their maritime interests, protect their sovereignty, and promote a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: A Framework for Enhanced Cooperation

The elevation of the India-Indonesia relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in 2019 signifies a qualitative shift in the nature of their engagement. A CSP is more than just a symbolic upgrade; it represents a commitment to deepen cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including political, economic, security, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges.

The political dimension of the CSP involves regular high-level dialogues, consultations on regional and global issues, and coordination in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the G20, and the East Asia Summit (EAS). This enhanced political engagement allows India and Indonesia to align their strategic interests and present a united front on issues of common concern.

The economic dimension of the CSP focuses on promoting trade, investment, and connectivity. India and Indonesia are both large and rapidly growing economies with significant potential for economic cooperation. The CSP aims to facilitate greater market access, reduce trade barriers, and encourage joint ventures in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and technology. The plan to establish a connectivity link between the Andaman Nicobar Islands and Aceh province is a concrete example of this enhanced economic cooperation.

The security dimension of the CSP is perhaps the most significant aspect of the partnership. It involves increased cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, and defense. India and Indonesia share a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and in ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight. The CSP provides a framework for enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean.

Sabang: A Strategic Asset in the Indian Ocean

Indonesia's decision to grant India access to Sabang Island is a particularly significant development in the strategic partnership. Sabang is located at the westernmost tip of Indonesia, near the entrance to the Malacca Strait, one of the world's most important shipping lanes. The Malacca Strait is a narrow waterway that connects the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It is a vital artery for global trade and energy flows, with an estimated one-third of the world's trade passing through it.

The strategic importance of Sabang lies in its location. By gaining access to Sabang, India can enhance its maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean and project power closer to the Malacca Strait. This allows India to monitor shipping activity, deter piracy, and respond to any potential threats to its maritime interests.

Indonesia's willingness to grant India access to Sabang is a testament to the growing trust and confidence between the two countries. It also reflects Indonesia's recognition of India as a responsible and reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The development of Sabang, with Indian investment, will improve the infrastructure on the island, benefiting the local population and contributing to Indonesia's economic growth.

However, the development of Sabang is not without its challenges. China is likely to view India's presence in Sabang with suspicion and may perceive it as an attempt to contain its influence in the Indian Ocean. It is therefore important for India and Indonesia to manage this relationship carefully and to reassure China that their cooperation is not aimed at any particular country.

SAGAR and the Global Maritime Fulcrum: Converging Visions for Maritime Security

The India-Indonesia strategic partnership is underpinned by converging visions for maritime security in the Indian Ocean. India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF) doctrine share a common emphasis on cooperation, connectivity, and sustainable development.

SAGAR, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015, is India's overarching framework for maritime security in the Indian Ocean. It emphasizes the importance of protecting India's maritime interests, promoting regional stability, and fostering economic cooperation. SAGAR is based on the principles of respect for international law, peaceful resolution of disputes, and freedom of navigation.

The five main pillars of SAGAR are:

1. Enhancing maritime domain awareness: This involves improving India's ability to monitor and track activities in the Indian Ocean, including shipping, fishing, and naval movements.
2. Strengthening maritime security: This involves enhancing India's naval capabilities, cooperating with regional partners to combat piracy and terrorism, and protecting critical maritime infrastructure.
3. Promoting sustainable development: This involves promoting sustainable fishing practices, protecting marine ecosystems, and addressing climate change.
4. Enhancing regional cooperation: This involves working with regional partners to address common challenges, such as maritime security, disaster management, and economic development.
5. Promoting a rules-based order: This involves upholding international law, promoting peaceful resolution of disputes, and ensuring freedom of navigation.

Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum (GMF), launched by President Joko Widodo in 2014, is Indonesia's vision for transforming itself into a major maritime power. It is based on five pillars:

1. Rebuilding Indonesia's maritime culture: This involves promoting awareness of Indonesia's maritime history and heritage, and encouraging Indonesians to embrace their identity as a maritime nation.
2. Maintaining and managing maritime resources: This involves protecting Indonesia's marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and developing its maritime industries.
3. Developing maritime infrastructure: This involves building new ports, shipyards, and other maritime infrastructure to support Indonesia's economic growth.
4. Strengthening maritime connectivity: This involves improving Indonesia's connectivity with other countries through shipping, aviation, and telecommunications.
5. Strengthening maritime security: This involves enhancing Indonesia's naval capabilities, cooperating with regional partners to combat piracy and terrorism, and protecting its maritime borders.

Both SAGAR and the GMF recognize the importance of maritime security for economic development and regional stability. They also share a common emphasis on cooperation and connectivity. By aligning these two visions, India and Indonesia can work together to promote a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

The Act East Policy: Indonesia as a Key Partner

Indonesia is a key partner in India's Act East Policy, which aims to promote economic, strategic, and cultural relations with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Act East Policy, launched in 2014, is a renewed effort to deepen India's engagement with Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific. It builds upon the Look East Policy, which was launched in the early 1990s.

The Act East Policy has three main pillars:

1. Economic cooperation: This involves promoting trade, investment, and connectivity between India and the Asia-Pacific region.
2. Strategic partnership: This involves strengthening security cooperation, conducting joint military exercises, and coordinating on regional and global issues.
3. Cultural exchange: This involves promoting people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and educational opportunities.

Indonesia is a particularly important partner in the Act East Policy due to its strategic location, its large economy, and its strong cultural ties with India. Indonesia is also a member of ASEAN, which is a key regional organization for India.

India and Indonesia have been working together to promote economic cooperation through a variety of initiatives, including:

• The ASEAN-India Free Trade Area (AIFTA): This agreement, which came into effect in 2010, has significantly boosted trade between India and ASEAN countries, including Indonesia.
• The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP): This proposed free trade agreement, which includes India, ASEAN, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, aims to create the world's largest trading bloc. (India later withdrew from RCEP negotiations.)
• The India-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA): This agreement, which is currently under negotiation, aims to further reduce trade barriers and promote investment between India and Indonesia.

India and Indonesia have also been working together to strengthen security cooperation through a variety of initiatives, including:

• Joint military exercises: The two countries conduct regular joint military exercises to enhance their interoperability and coordination.
• Coordinated patrols: The two countries conduct coordinated patrols in the Indian Ocean to combat piracy and terrorism.
• Intelligence sharing: The two countries share intelligence on security threats in the region.

By working together through the Act East Policy, India and Indonesia can promote economic growth, enhance security, and strengthen their strategic partnership.

The India-Singapore Logistics Agreement: Enhancing Maritime Reach

Complementing the strengthening of ties with Indonesia, India also signed a bilateral agreement with Singapore in 2019, allowing for logistical support for Indian Navy ships at Singapore's Changi Naval Base. This agreement is strategically significant for several reasons.

Firstly, Singapore is a vital maritime hub located near the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea. The Changi Naval Base is a modern and well-equipped facility that can provide a wide range of support services to naval vessels. Access to this base allows the Indian Navy to extend its operational reach and maintain a more consistent presence in the region.

Secondly, the agreement with Singapore underscores India's commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is a contested waterway, with several countries, including China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, making overlapping territorial claims. China's assertive actions in the South China Sea have raised concerns about freedom of navigation and the rule of law.

By securing logistical support in Singapore, India is signaling its determination to uphold international law and protect its maritime interests in the South China Sea. This agreement complements India's engagement with other countries in the region, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, which also have disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Balancing China's Influence: A Shared Strategic Imperative

The deepening strategic partnership between India and Indonesia is, in part, a response to China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. China's economic rise, its military modernization, and its assertive foreign policy have raised concerns among many countries in the region.

China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure development project that aims to connect China with the rest of the world, has been met with both enthusiasm and skepticism. While some countries see the BRI as an opportunity to boost economic growth and improve connectivity, others are concerned about the potential for debt traps and the erosion of sovereignty.

China's military presence in the Indian Ocean has also been increasing in recent years. China has established a naval base in Djibouti, and its warships have been making increasingly frequent visits to ports in the region. This has raised concerns among India and other countries about China's intentions.

India and Indonesia share a common interest in ensuring that the Indo-Pacific region remains free, open, and inclusive. They both believe that no single country should dominate the region and that all countries should have the right to exercise their sovereignty and pursue their economic interests.

By strengthening their strategic partnership, India and Indonesia can work together to balance China's influence and promote a more multipolar and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region. This does not necessarily mean that India and Indonesia are seeking to contain China. Both countries recognize the importance of engaging with China and of finding ways to cooperate on issues of common concern. However, they also believe that it is important to maintain a balance of power and to ensure that China's rise does not come at the expense of the sovereignty and security of other countries in the region.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the India-Indonesia strategic partnership has made significant progress in recent years, there are still challenges and opportunities ahead.

One challenge is the need to deepen economic cooperation. While trade between India and Indonesia has been growing, it is still below its potential. Both countries need to work together to reduce trade barriers, promote investment, and facilitate greater market access. The ongoing negotiations for the India-Indonesia CEPA are an important step in this direction.

Another challenge is the need to enhance maritime security cooperation. India and Indonesia need to continue to conduct joint military exercises, coordinate patrols, and share intelligence. They also need to work together to address common threats, such as piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing.

One opportunity is the potential for greater cooperation in the defense sector. India and Indonesia both have growing defense industries, and there is scope for collaboration in areas such as technology transfer, joint production, and co-development of weapons systems.

Another opportunity is the potential for greater cooperation in the field of renewable energy. India and Indonesia are both committed to reducing their carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. They can work together to develop and deploy renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and geothermal.

Looking Forward: A Shared Future in the Indo-Pacific

The India-Indonesia strategic partnership is poised to play an increasingly important role in the Indo-Pacific region in the years to come. The two countries share a common vision for a region that is free, open, inclusive, and prosperous. They are committed to working together to promote economic growth, enhance security, and uphold the rule of law.

The strengthening of ties between India and Indonesia is not just a bilateral matter; it has broader implications for regional stability and the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific. By working together, India and Indonesia can help to shape the future of the region and ensure that it remains a place of peace, prosperity, and opportunity for all.

The agreement between India and Singapore for logistical support at Changi Naval Base further strengthens India's position as a key player in the region. This agreement, along with the deepened strategic partnership with Indonesia, demonstrates India's commitment to maintaining a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific and to working with its partners to promote regional security and stability.

The future of the Indo-Pacific region will be shaped by the choices that are made by the countries that operate within it. India and Indonesia have a unique opportunity to work together to create a future that is based on cooperation, respect, and mutual benefit. By embracing this opportunity, they can help to build a more peaceful and prosperous world for all.