Sat Jan 25 09:14:43 UTC 2025: ## India and Indonesia Pledge Stronger Ties, Focus on Defence and Tech
**New Delhi, January 25, 2025** – India and Indonesia have agreed to significantly strengthen their bilateral relationship, with a particular focus on defence manufacturing, supply chains, and technological cooperation. This commitment was announced following wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is in India for a three-day visit and will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations.
During a joint press statement, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Indonesia’s importance as a partner within the ASEAN bloc and the Indo-Pacific region. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international order, emphasizing the importance of freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. This statement comes amidst growing global concerns regarding China’s military activities in the Indo-Pacific.
The two leaders agreed to collaborate on expanding defence manufacturing and supply chains, as well as boosting economic ties through trade diversification and improved market access. A new maritime security agreement will enhance cooperation in crime prevention, search and rescue, and capacity building. Further cooperation was also pledged in areas such as FinTech, artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and digital public infrastructure. Both sides also emphasized the need for collaboration in maritime security, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and de-radicalization. India welcomed Indonesia’s recent membership in the BRICS group of nations.
President Subianto described the talks as “very frank” and indicated a commitment to accelerating economic partnerships with India across multiple key sectors.
First Piper 