The details of the joint statement of India-Indonesia during the state visit of the H.E. Prabowo Subianto, President of Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of India.
1. At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, H.E. Shri Narendra Modi, President of Indonesia, H.E. Mr. Prabowo Subianto paid a State Visit to India from 23-26 January 2025. He also attended the celebrations of the 76th Republic Day of India as the Chief Guest. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including several Ministers as well as Senior Officials of the Indonesian government and a business delegation.
2. This was the first visit of President Prabowo to India in his current capacity as President and coincided with the 75th Anniversary of India-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations, a milestone that reflects the enduring friendship and deep-rooted historical ties between the two countries. Both leaders recalled that H.E. Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, was the Chief Guest at India’s first Republic Day in 1950. This is a testament to our longstanding ties and strong democratic tradition. A distinguishing feature of President Prabowo’s visit was the participation of 352 Indonesian Armed Forces personnel comprising both the marching contingent and marching band in India’s Republic Day Parade.
3. President Prabowo was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and he paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Raj Ghat. This was followed by bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo. Thereafter, the two leaders witnessed the exchange of bilateral documents. President Prabowo attended the luncheon hosted by Prime Minister Modi in his honour. President Prabowo met President of India H.E. Smt. Droupadi Murmu. President Murmu also hosted a banquet dinner in his honour. Vice President of India, H.E. Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar called on President Prabowo.
4. Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo held comprehensive discussions covering the full spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including political, defence and security, maritime, economic, health and pharmaceuticals, food and energy security, digital transition, sustainable energy transition, blue economy as well as education and cultural cooperation. They expressed satisfaction with the robust and dynamic bilateral ties, following the elevation of the relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
5. Both leaders acknowledged the importance of close and active engagement through the existing bilateral mechanisms and agreed to continue convening regular meetings, exchanges and dialogues, including Joint Commission Meeting, Foreign Office Consultations and various Joint Working Group meetings.
6. The two leaders emphasised the importance of regularly convening bilateral dialogue mechanisms at the leaders level, ministerial level, and senior officials level, including the India–Indonesia Security Dialogue, Consular Dialogue and Policy Planning Dialogue which are the key platforms for advancing mutual understanding and cooperation. Both leaders agreed to an early establishment of Bilateral Maritime Dialogue and Cyber Security Dialogue. They welcomed the establishment of a Track 1.5 dialogue mechanism between think tanks of two countries and appreciated the convening of the first track 1.5 dialogue at Mumbai in September 2024, involving think tanks and policy makers from both sides. The leaders noted that enhancing engagements between think tanks and academia would strengthen the efforts to identify new horizons for bilateral ties.
Key Outcomes: State Visit of the President of Indonesia to India
Defence and Security
7. The two countries had adopted the "Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific” in 2018. The two leaders reaffirmed that India and Indonesia as maritime neighbours and strategic partners must continue to work to further deepen and broaden the defence cooperation to a robust one.
8. Both leaders welcomed the ratification of the Agreement concerning Cooperation in the field of Defence (DCA) and expressed confidence that this would lead to further deepening of defence ties. They underscored the importance of regular engagements between Defence Ministers to effectively implement the DCA. In this regard, they agreed to hold the next Defence Ministers’ Dialogue at an early date.
9. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the strategic and operational interaction between the defence forces of both countries, comprising more than two decades long continuous biannual India–Indonesia Coordinated Patrol, conduct of periodic bilateral Army (Ex Garuda Shakti) and Naval (Ex Samudra Shakti) exercises, and regular participation in each other’s multilateral exercises- Milan, Komodo, Tarang Shakti and Super Garuda Shield.
10. Both leaders welcomed the interest to have cadet exchanges between the Naval Academies and the National Defence University/ Academy.
11. Recognizing the importance of building domestic defence manufacturing capabilities, President Prabowo appreciated India’s advancements and expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in this sector. India agreed to support the ongoing defence modernization programmes of Indonesia through experience and expertise sharing. Both countries affirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in the defence industry by utilizing the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC).
12. President Prabowo welcomed India’s interest in enhancing cooperation on maritime security, including its engagement with regional mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of sea lanes of communication. Both leaders also acknowledged the significance of collaborative efforts to achieve safe and secure sea lanes in the region. In this regard, they agreed that there needs to be constant communication to discuss enhancement of maritime safety.
13. Both leaders welcomed the ongoing discussions on the White Shipping Information Exchange (WSIE) agreement. They agreed to position an International Liaison Officer (ILO) from Indonesia at Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean region (IFC-IOR) Gurugram. They agreed to continue discussions to identify mutually beneficial areas of cooperation in maritime security.
14. The two leaders shared mutual appreciation for having co-chaired HADR related activities at ADMM+ and maritime security events at ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in the previous cycle. Both leaders agreed to continue their combined efforts for safety of Navigation in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) through existing mechanisms to enable unhindered economic growth of the region. The leaders also agreed to commence cooperation in Hydrography and Submarine Search and Rescue while looking forward to the next edition of Exercise Samudra Shakti.
15. Both leaders welcomed the renewal of the MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation which signifies commitment to continue cooperating in preventing and responding to acts of crime at sea, coordinating search and rescue operation upon request, and capacity building activities.
Counter Terrorism
16. Both leaders strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation in combating this threat through bilateral and multilateral initiatives. They underscored the importance of strengthening global efforts to combat terrorism, including eliminating terror financing and preventing the recruitment of terrorists, without any double standards. Both leaders emphasized the need for all countries to work collectively to deny safe havens and support networks to terrorist groups, in accordance with international obligations and commitments.
17. Both leaders called upon all countries to take concerted action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations and their affiliates. Recognizing the evolving nature of security challenges, the two leaders agreed to work together in preventing the spread of online radicalization and strengthening mechanisms to counter extremist ideologies. Both leaders welcomed the 6th Joint Working Group Meeting on Counter-Terrorism, held in Jakarta on 23 August 2024, as a crucial platform for strengthening bilateral cooperation. They also look forward to the renewal of the MoU on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation. President Prabowo thanked Prime Minister Modi for offering specialized courses by the National Security Guard (NSG) of India, underscoring the value of capacity-building and knowledge-sharing in counter-terrorism efforts.
Economic Engagement
18. Indonesia is one of India’s largest trading partners in ASEAN. Both leaders expressed satisfaction that bilateral trade had reached a record high of USD 38.8 billion in April 2022–March 2023. The leaders desired that the 2nd meeting of the Working Group on Trade and Investment (WGTI), as well as the 4th Biennial Trade Ministers’ Forum (BMTF) be convened to resolve outstanding tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. Both leaders agreed to the expedited conclusion of the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) by 2025.
19. The two leaders agreed that the first meeting of the Joint Economic and Financial Dialogue should be convened early to further deepen economic engagement.
20. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing bilateral investments. The 3rd CEOs Forum was held on the sidelines of this visit. The leaders recognized the meeting of the forum as a constructive measure to tap more opportunities and potential in developing bilateral cooperation in trade and investment.
21. Both leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU on Local Currency Settlement Systems (LCSS) between the Reserve Bank of India and Bank Indonesia in March 2024 and emphasized the importance of its expeditious implementation. They expressed confidence that the usage of local currency for bilateral transactions would further promote trade between India and Indonesia and deepen financial integration between the two economies.
Health and Pharmaceuticals
22. The two leaders reaffirmed their desire to enhance health sector cooperation and welcomed the signing of the MoU on Health Cooperation and the MoU in the Field of Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance. They noted that the signing of these MoUs would provide further impetus to cooperation in the health sector.
23. Both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation by sharing best practices on Digital Health initiatives and to increase capacity building programmes for training doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, including training programmes in mutually agreed areas.
Food Security
24. President Prabowo expressed appreciation for India’s support in Indonesia’s new mid-day meal scheme through the sharing of knowledge and experience, as well as facilitating the visits of Indonesian officials to various relevant Indian institutions. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting the initiative and invited more Indonesian officials to benefit from the expertise of the Food Corporation of India in managing the Public Distribution System.
Energy Security
25. Both leaders expressed their commitment towards achieving renewable energy goals of the respective countries and lauded the existing efforts being made on energy transition. Both sides have shown interest in joint exploration and mining related projects, particularly relating to critical minerals such as nickel, bauxite, silica, tin etc. with a focus on the downstream sectors.
26. Both leaders welcomed BPRL’s continued interest to partner with Pertamina in the strategic Nunukan Gas Block Project and agreed to support early execution of the project.
27. Both leaders underscored the critical role biofuels can play in the efforts for decarbonization of transportation and relevant sectors and recognized the importance of international collaboration in strengthening trade, research & development, developing standards and contributing to the global biofuels ecosystem. The Indonesian side positively welcomes India’s invitation to join the Global Biofuels Alliance.
28. They discussed the importance of energy security and ensuring affordable and reliable energy supply to the citizens of their respective countries. In this context, the Indian side informed about India’s growing refinery capacity and the potential to supply refined petroleum products to Indonesia.
Infrastructure & Connectivity
29. The leaders recognized the vital role of connectivity in enhancing trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Indonesia and India. In this regard, they welcomed the restoration of direct flights between the two countries, seeing it as a significant step toward further strengthening bilateral ties and fostering closer engagement.
30. The two leaders also recognised the growth in travel demand between the two countries and welcomed the signing of the MoU to expand the bilateral Air Services Agreement.
31. Recalling their last discussion on intensifying infrastructure development between the two maritime neighbours, the two leaders called for enhanced connectivity and welcomed India’s Development Partnership with the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) as a significant initiative towards this end.
32. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to accelerate collaboration in the areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, digital B2B partnership, digital capacity building, cyber security, etc. for inclusive growth and addressing global challenges. They expressed confidence that the MoU on Cooperation in the Fields of Digital Development signed during this visit will enable harnessing the power of emerging technologies. India also offered to share its experience and best practices with Indonesia in High-Performance Computing and quantum communication technologies.
33. India offered to share its experience of successful digital solutions, implemented at population scale with Indonesia to promote its digital transformation.
34. The two leaders appreciated the ongoing discussions for QR-based cross border digital payments between NPCL International Payments Limited (NIPL) and the Indonesian payment switches under the banner of ASPI (Association of Payment Systems of Indonesia).
Science and Technology
35. The leaders welcomed the convening of the inaugural Joint Commission Meeting on S&T and renewal of MoU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. They also discussed undertaking joint research and training projects. Both leaders encouraged the two sides to collaborate in further research and development, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mechanics (STEMs).
Space Cooperation
36. Both leaders welcomed the signing of Implementation Agreement on Transfer of Title of Integrated Biak Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Facilities and Implementing Arrangement on Operation, Maintenance and Utilisation of Integrated Biak Telemetry, Tracking and Command (TTC) Facilities for Satellites and Launch Vehicles between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in March 2024. They encouraged BRIN to work towards early takeover of the operations and maintenance of this station. The leaders expressed satisfaction at the expanding cooperation in the space technology sector. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Prabowo for Indonesia’s support to India’s Gaganyaan Mission.
Consular Cooperation
37. Both countries agreed to conclude the Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons. Both leaders welcomed the decision to hold the second Consular Dialogue in early 2025 in India.
Education and Skill Development
38. Both leaders agreed to enhance educational cooperation between the two countries through greater collaborations between higher educational institutions. They welcomed the ICCR chairs which have been established in Indonesia at the University of North Sumatra, Medan in Political Science; Siyah Kuala University, Banda Aceh in Economics; and a Sanskrit Chair at University Hindu Negeri I Gusti Bagus Sugriwa, Denpasar.
39. Presently, India offers Indonesian students 20 fully funded ICCR scholarships annually which are oversubscribed. As part of the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, India has been providing up to 100 slots annually for capacity building training for Indonesian professionals. Since 2007, more than 1000 professionals have been trained in India under the ITEC programme. India noted Indonesia’s utilisation of Doctoral Fellowship in India for ASEAN.
40. Recalling the ancient ties between Indonesia and India, the two leaders welcomed the MoUs signed between Nalanda University and Indonesian Universities, including the bilateral MoU with the University of Jambi and four MoUs under the ASEAN-India Network of Universities (AINU). Both leaders emphasised the importance of fostering stronger educational and academic partnerships between educational institutions of the two countries, recognizing such collaborations as vital to advancing shared knowledge and mutual understanding.
Cultural and Heritage Cooperation
41. Both leaders lauded the close historical, cultural, religious and people-to-people ties that exist between the two countries. They welcomed the signing of the Cultural Exchange Programme (2025-2028) which provides opportunities for sharing of knowledge on various aspects of cultural cooperation.
42. Both leaders also shared their commitment to enhance cooperation in protecting and preserving tangible and intangible cultural properties and heritage, including exploring India’s assistance in the preservation and restoration of the temples at the Prambanan Temple Compounds World Heritage site. They recalled the principles contained in the "Kashi Cultural Pathway” as adopted at the G20 Culture Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi, August 2023.
Climate Change and Disaster Resilience
43. Both leaders expressed confidence that cooperation in Disaster Management between the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India and the National Disaster Management Authority of Indonesia (BNPB) would lead to greater exchange of knowledge, skills and best practices to help in better preparedness for natural disasters, enhance disaster management capabilities and allow for capacity building.
ASEAN
44. The two leaders agreed to strengthen efforts towards implementation of the ASEAN-India Joint Statement on Cooperation on the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific for Peace, Stability, and Prosperity in the Region through existing ASEAN-led mechanisms with trust and confidence based on shared democratic values, strong belief in sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a shared commitment to the rule of law and the principles of the UN Charter.
45. Indonesia appreciated India’s support for ASEAN Centrality in the evolving regional architecture, ASEAN-led mechanisms and its continued contribution to regional peace, security, and prosperity and to ASEAN integration and the ASEAN Community building process.
46. Both leaders reaffirmed working together on regional and global issues of common interest while endeavouring to strengthen bilateral partnership through the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
47. Both leaders agreed to further strengthen people-to-people ties as a cornerstone of the India-Indonesia partnership. In this spirit, they welcomed the celebration of 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, recognizing the potential to further enhance cultural exchanges, people-to-people contact and tourism.
Multilateral
48. Both leaders welcomed the existing close coordination between India and Indonesia in the multilateral fora including UN and the G20. They emphasised the importance of South-South Cooperation and agreed to work together on issues of importance to the Global South. In this context, President Prabowo appreciated India’s initiative in organizing Voice of Global South Summits, which serve as a vital platform for amplifying priorities and concerns of developing nations. Reaffirming their commitment to reformed multilateralism, they agreed to undertake joint diplomatic initiatives to further enhance cooperation in international forums, ensuring their voices continue to contribute effectively to shaping global governance.
49. Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region, and other lawful uses of the seas, including unimpeded lawful maritime commerce and to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, and the relevant standards and recommended practices by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In this regard, they supported the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in its entirety and look forward to the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) that is in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
50. India welcomed Indonesia’s decision of early joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and invited Indonesia to join the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance.
BRICS
51. India welcomed Indonesia joining the BRICS as a member country and expressed confidence that it will further strengthen the BRICS solidarity and regional cooperation.
IORA
52. India is currently the Vice Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and leading the Working Group on Blue Economy with Indonesia. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen their cooperation in the Working Group on Blue Economy, where, as co-leads, they are implementing the work plan to drive sustainable socio-economic growth to foster balanced development while safeguarding the marine resources.
Indo-Pacific Initiatives
53. Both leaders welcomed efforts to synergize the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), particularly highlighting Indonesia’s co-leadership in IPOI, alongside France, on the Maritime Resources Pillar. They urged the officials to expedite the implementation of activities, including taking stock of fishing architecture, promoting sustainable aquaculture and mariculture, addressing Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, fostering cooperation with regional organisations such as Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), as well as advancing initiatives related to mangroves, environmental impact assessments, mapping exercises for marine mineral exploration.
Trilateral Cooperation
54. Taking the commitment to maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific region forward, both leaders reaffirmed commitment to regional peace and security and welcomed the ongoing cooperation under the India-Indonesia-Australia trilateral format to address common challenges, exchange views and explore opportunities for collaboration including in the areas of maritime domain awareness, marine pollution, blue economy and also under the frameworks of East Asia Summit (EAS), Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
55. President Prabowo thanked Prime Minister Modi for the honour of being the Chief Guest on 76th Republic Day of India and the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit. President Prabowo invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a visit to Indonesia on mutually convenient dates.
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