Deepening the Foundation of a Shared Vision for the Indo-Pacific

As the Indo- Pacific emerges as the geopolitical epicentre of the 21st century, India and Indonesia are forging a strategic maritime partnership, reaffirming their commitment to regional security.

This was evident during the visit of Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff of India (CNS) to Indonesia from December 15-18, which highlighted the depth of defence cooperation between the two countries that play an important role in the Indo- Pacific region.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Indian Naval Staff, begins his visit to Indonesia today, December 15. (Source: Government of India Press Office)

In an analysis published in Eurasia Review on December 15, defense and diplomatic journalist Aritra Banerjee assessed that this visit is in line with the nature of the growing comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, emphasizing that enhanced naval cooperation is the foundation for a shared vision of an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening strategic maritime partnership

Strategically located in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, India and Indonesia share important interests in protecting some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The two countries promote maritime cooperation guided by the 2018 Joint Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, a framework that emphasizes the importance of upholding international maritime law and maintaining stability in the region.

Key areas of cooperation include joint exercises, port visits, training programmes, knowledge sharing, disaster response coordination, etc. Exercises such as Samudra Shakti and the India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrols (CORPAT) series reflect the growing interoperability of the two navies, focusing on addressing challenges such as piracy, smuggling and human trafficking.

Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi’s visit coincides with the 43rd CORPAT, currently underway along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). This long-standing operational exercise symbolises the strong maritime relationship between the two Navies, aimed at countering illicit activities, protecting sea lanes and ensuring regional stability.

Admiral Tripathi’s itinerary includes high-level meetings with top Indonesian government and defense officials, including Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief General Agus Subiyanto and Navy Chief Admiral Muhammad Ali. The two sides are expected to discuss a range of issues, from maritime security and joint training to operational cooperation, reflecting the broad scope of the bilateral defense relationship.

Apart from operational coordination, defence-industrial cooperation is also on the agenda of the visit. According to journalist Aritra Banerjee, Indonesia’s interest in India’s BrahMos missile system and indigenous defence platforms suggests the potential for deeper technological cooperation between the two countries. As both countries seek to reduce their dependence on external suppliers amid disruptions in global supply chains, the partnership could pave the way for co-development and technology transfer initiatives.

The inauguration ceremony of the 43rd India-Indonesia Coordinated Naval Patrol (CORPAT), which took place from December 10-18 in Sabang, Indonesia. (Source: Indian Navy)

Scope, challenges and the road ahead

Admiral Tripathi’s activities in Jakarta underscore the strategic importance both countries place on their maritime partnership. His discussions with Indonesian leaders are likely to focus on institutionalizing recent gains, enhancing real-time information sharing, and expanding the scope of joint exercises.

The visit also has broader implications for the Indo-Pacific. Journalist Aritra Banerjee points out that India and Indonesia are key stakeholders in addressing the challenges of an increasingly assertive China in the region. Their engagement underpins a rules-based maritime order that ensures the free flow of trade and adherence to international norms.

Moreover, the bilateral partnership complements broader frameworks such as the Quad Indo-Pacific strategy, which advocates for inclusive and open maritime spaces. India and Indonesia’s efforts to secure vital sea lanes contribute to national security as well as regional stability.

While the trajectory of the India-Indonesia naval partnership is promising, challenges remain. Divergent procurement policies and budget constraints could slow the pace of defence-industrial cooperation. Moreover, navigating the complexities of great power competition requires careful diplomacy to maintain strategic autonomy.

However, the complementarity in strategic goals and common interests of the two countries provides a solid foundation, through leveraging their shared interest in maritime security and regional stability, Jakarta and New Delhi can take their partnership to new heights.

As Indonesia and India deepen their cooperation, the bilateral partnership is a model of resilience and cooperation in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, according to Aritra Banerjee. By advancing a shared vision for the Indo-Pacific, the two countries are protecting their interests and contributing to the broader goal of regional stability and prosperity.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/an-do-indonesia-lam-sau-sac-nen-tang-cua-tam-nhin-chung-ve-an-do-duong-thai-binh-duong-297453.html