India-Indonesia: How Maritime Neighbours Are Reshaping the Indo-Pacific
India and Indonesia share 2,000 years of civilisational links and are now deepening a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focused on maritime security, trade, and countering Chinese influence in Southeast Asia.
Key Takeaways
India and Indonesia share 2,000 years of civilisational links and are now deepening a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership focused on maritime security, trade, and countering Chinese influence in Southeast Asia.
- India and Indonesia upgraded ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi's Jakarta visit in 2025
- Bilateral trade grew to $35 billion in 2025, driven by coal, palm oil, and machinery exports
- Joint military exercises (IND-INDO CORPAT, Garuda Shakti) have expanded to all three services
- India has offered $1 billion in defence credit and co-production of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia
- Indonesia's stance on the South China Sea and Myanmar crisis shapes India's ASEAN strategy
Evidence
India's Act East Policy has significantly strengthened ties with Indonesia.
Verified84%- ▶High-level visits have increased from 2 per year (2010-14) to 8 per year (2020-25). Defence cooperation, maritime patrols, and trade have all grown substantially.
Indonesia is the most important partner for India's Indo-Pacific strategy.
Moderate70%- ▶While Indonesia is crucial as ASEAN's largest economy and a maritime neighbour, India's Indo-Pacific strategy also prioritises Japan, Australia, Vietnam, and the US equally.
Key Numbers
Timeline
India-Indonesia Trade ($ Billion)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Government
International
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