India, Indonesia resolve to boost defence industrial cooperation

India and Indonesia on Thursday reiterated the importance of maintaining a free, open and peaceful Indo-Pacific, guided by international law and respect for sovereignty, against the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

In their wide-ranging talks, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his visiting Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin also broadly agreed to set up a joint defence industry cooperation committee to ensure bilateral collaboration in areas of transfer of military technologies and for supply-chain linkages.

India’s experience in submarine development and supply-chain management, including the Scorpene-class submarine programme, was acknowledged as highly valuable for Indonesia’s future plans, the Defence Ministry said.

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 countries committed to enhancing practical cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, and joint operational readiness,” the ministry said.

In the talks held in New Delhi, the two sides also reaffirmed the “strong foundation of bilateral defence cooperation, including the defence cooperation agreement and the work of the joint defence cooperation committee”, the ministry said. “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,” it said. The two sides also highlighted the progress in joint exercises across land, maritime, and air forces.

“Both sides agreed to continue officer exchanges, joint training programs, and visits to defence education institutions to promote interoperability and knowledge sharing,” the ministry said.

India and Indonesia also reiterated their commitment to maritime security, including coordination in the Indian Ocean.

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, the Defence Ministry said in a statement. New Delhi announced the gifting of horses and a ceremonial carriage to Indonesia from the Indian Army’s Remount Veterinary Corps.

Both ministers expressed their satisfaction with the dialogue’s outcomes and the need to continue high-level exchanges, practical cooperation, and structured management across multiple areas of defence and security, thereby contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, the ministry said.