India-Indonesia hold 3rd Defence Ministers’ Dialogue to further deepen defence partnership

Strengthening strategic ties

According to the official release, the ministers recalled the landmark visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day 2025 celebrations, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto held wide-ranging discussions.

Outcomes from this engagement, together with the participation of more than 350 Indonesian Armed Forces personnel in the parade, were recognised to have greatly pushed the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership forward.

Common vision for the Indo-Pacific

The two parties emphasised again the necessity of a free, open, stable, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region based on international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Recognising the similarities between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and India’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), Indonesia highlighted India’s centrality as a partner for peace and cooperation in the region.

The Ministers also agreed to enhance collaboration in multilateral platforms such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) during India’s chairmanship.

Boost to defence industry and technology collaboration

Indonesia welcomed India’s proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee, aimed at enhancing collaboration in technology transfer, joint research and development, certification harmonisation and strengthening defence supply chains.

The Dialogue emphasised the importance of the existing Defence Cooperation Agreement and the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee as the backbone of bilateral defence engagements.

Military exercises and interoperability

Highlighting the progress in military-to-military engagements, both sides reviewed ongoing and planned joint exercises, including Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti, and MILAN.

The participating countries decided to intensify the exchange of officers, undergo joint training, and have more visits to defence education institutions as means to interoperability.

Emphasis on maritime security and coordination among many forces

The two nations reiterated their resolve to make the Indian Ocean Region, their shared area of concern, secure for sea-going vessels. The Indian Ocean Region, their shared area of concern, was assured to be secure for sea-going vessels by the joint effort of the two nations, who also expressed the desire to develop cooperation through ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus and other regional frameworks.

Submarine capability, defence medicine and emerging technologies

India’s experience in submarine development-especially through its Scorpene-class program-was acknowledged as valuable for Indonesia’s future naval modernisation plans. Discussions also covered cooperation in defence medicine, military pharmaceuticals, joint research and technology transfer, training programs to enhance medical resilience for armed forces

Support for global peace efforts

Reiterating their shared commitment to a just and lasting peace in Palestine, the Ministers explored opportunities for cooperative humanitarian assistance and post-conflict reconstruction. Indonesia expressed readiness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under a UN mandate.

Commitment to continued engagement

Both Ministers expressed satisfaction with the Dialogue’s outcomes and emphasised the importance of continued high-level exchanges and structured cooperation across defence and security domains. They agreed that deeper collaboration will contribute to regional peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.