Coordinating Minister Says Indonesia-India Strategic Partnership Strengthens Under President Prabowo
JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan stated that President Prabowo Subianto has ushered in a new era in Indonesia-India strategic relations.
Speaking at the 76th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and India, hosted at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Jakarta, on Friday, Jan 31, 2025, he reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to deepening its partnership with India.
The event, hosted by Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty, was attended by high-ranking officials and diplomatic representatives.
Defense Cooperation and Military Engagement
Budi Gunawan emphasized President Prabowo’s visit to New Delhi as the guest of honor at India’s Republic Day celebrations on Jan 26, 2025, as a strong indication of India's trust in Indonesia as a strategic partner. The participation of 352 Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel in India’s Republic Day military parade further demonstrated the growing defense cooperation between the two nations.
“President Prabowo’s presence is a symbol of India's strategic trust in Indonesia,” Budi Gunawan stated.
Indonesia and India have strengthened their maritime and defense cooperation through joint military exercises such as Garuda Shakti and Samudra Shakti, as well as formal defense agreements between the two governments. As neighboring maritime nations, both countries play a crucial role in maintaining Indo-Pacific regional stability.
Boosting Bilateral Trade and Investment
On the economic front, Indonesia and India aim to increase their bilateral trade volume from $38.8 billion in 2022–2023 to $50 billion. To achieve this, Budi Gunawan emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in renewable energy, digital transformation, and food security.
Indian Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty welcomed Indonesia’s continued commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, noting that Indonesia and India have shared a warm relationship from the era of President Soekarno to President Prabowo Subianto. He expressed optimism that both nations would expand collaboration across various sectors.
Stronger Ties for a Shared Future
Concluding his speech, Budi Gunawan expressed hope that Indonesia-India relations will continue to grow and deliver tangible benefits to both countries.
“With close cooperation, we are prepared to tackle global challenges and build a better future for the next generation,” he said.
The event concluded with a diplomatic dinner and cultural performances from both nations, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and ongoing commitment to cooperation.