Defence Ministers of India & Indonesia Co-Chair 3rd India-Indonesia Dialogue

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and minister of defence of Indonesia Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin co-chaired the 3rd India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in New Delhi on November 27.

The two ministers recalled the visit of President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto to India as the chief guest of Republic Day 2025. They affirmed that the productive and wide-ranging discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto have led to further strengthening of the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The key outcomes of the dialogue are:

Strategic Outlook on Indo-Pacific Peace and Security: India and Indonesia reiterated the importance of maintaining a free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, guided by international law and respect for sovereignty. Noting that the ASEAN outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative share relevant fundamental principles, Indonesia reiterated that India remains a key partner in promoting peace and cooperation in the region. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation through multilateral frameworks such as Indian Ocean Rim Association under India’s chairmanship. Both countries committed to enhancing practical cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, and joint operational readiness.

Defence Cooperation and Industry Collaboration: The Dialogue reaffirmed the strong foundation of bilateral defence cooperation, including the Defence Cooperation Agreement and the work of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee. Indonesia appreciated India’s proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as technology transfer, joint R&D, certification harmonisation, and supply-chain linkages.

Military-to-Military Engagements: India and Indonesia highlighted the progress in joint exercises across land, maritime, and air forces, including Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti, MILAN, and upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises. Both sides agreed to continue officer exchanges, joint training programmes, and visits to defence education institutions to promote interoperability and knowledge sharing.

Maritime Security and Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries reiterated their commitment to maritime security, including coordination in the Indian Ocean. Indonesia welcomed India’s initiatives, emphasising cooperation within ASEAN-led ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and other structures.

Defence Technology, Submarine Capability, and Medical Cooperation: India’s experience in submarine development and supply-chain management, including Scorpene-class programmes, was acknowledged as highly valuable for Indonesia’s future plans. Both countries also discussed collaboration in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals, including joint research, technology transfer, and training programmes to strengthen military health resilience.

Support for International Peace and Humanitarian Efforts: Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to a just and lasting peace in Palestine, and acknowledged opportunities for cooperation in humanitarian assistance, post conflict reconstruction, and multilateral peace efforts. Indonesia reaffirmed its readiness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under UN Mandate.