Strengthening Defence Ties: India and Indonesia’s Growing Partnership
Context:
Recently, the seventh Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and Indonesia took place in New Delhi, co-chaired by the Defence Secretary of India and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia.
- This meeting marks another step in the deepening defence cooperation between the two nations.
Relevance:
GS-02 (International Relations)
Meeting Focus:
- During the JDCC meeting, both countries discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.
- The India-Indonesia relationship, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, has expanded to include new areas of collaboration in the defence industry, science, and technology.
- Defence cooperation is a cornerstone of this partnership.
Expanded Defence Engagements:
- Defence interactions between India and Indonesia have broadened significantly, encompassing a variety of activities such as:
- Military-to-military exchanges and high-level visits.
- Capacity building and training programs.
- Collaboration in United Nations Peacekeeping missions.
- Ship visits and bilateral exercises.
- This wide-ranging cooperation reflects the robust and dynamic nature of their defence relations.
Historical Context and Framework:
- The foundation of the current defence cooperation was laid with the signing of a defence cooperation agreement in 2001. This agreement led to the creation of the JDCC, a platform designed to:
- Explore and identify potential areas of cooperation.
- Discuss matters of common interest.
- Initiate, coordinate, monitor, and control approved cooperative activities.
Significance of the Partnership:
- The India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has not only strengthened defence ties but also opened avenues for collaboration in various other sectors.
- This includes the defence industry, where both nations are exploring joint ventures and technology transfers.
- Additionally, the partnership enhances regional stability and fosters mutual growth.