Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended congratulations to Prabowo Subianto, the newly elected President of Indonesia, heralding a new phase in the bilateral relations between India and Indonesia. Prabowo Subianto, a former military officer and Defence Minister of Indonesia, assumes leadership at a critical juncture, succeeding Joko Widodo after a decade-long tenure.
Congratulations to the people of Indonesia on the successful Presidential elections and @prabowo on the lead. Look forward to working with the new Presidency to further strengthen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 18, 2024
Despite Prabowo’s controversial past, marked by allegations of human rights abuses during his military service, his election signifies a shift in Indonesia’s political landscape. For his supporters, Prabowo represents stability and promises economic progress, while critics fear a regression to authoritarianism.
The relationship between India and Indonesia holds strategic importance, particularly in countering the expansionist ambitions of China in the Indo-Pacific region. The signing of a defense cooperation accord in 2018 elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, encompassing areas such as defense, security, connectivity, trade, and people-to-people exchanges.
India views Indonesia as a key ally in maintaining peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region. The two nations collaborate closely to counter maritime threats and ensure freedom of navigation. Additionally, Indonesia’s geographical position at the crossroads of major sea lanes makes it a crucial partner for India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Under Prabowo’s leadership, India hopes to further deepen cooperation with Indonesia across various domains. Strengthening economic ties, enhancing defense collaboration, and promoting cultural exchanges are among the priorities for advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Moreover, Prabowo’s presidency presents an opportunity for India to engage constructively with Indonesia on regional and global issues. As both countries navigate geopolitical challenges and pursue economic development, closer cooperation between New Delhi and Jakarta is essential for fostering stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
In light of Prabowo’s election, Prime Minister Modi’s message underscores India’s commitment to bolstering ties with Indonesia. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership serves as a framework for advancing mutual interests and addressing shared challenges, reaffirming the strategic significance of the Indo-Indonesian relationship.
As Indonesia undergoes a transition in leadership, India stands ready to collaborate with Prabowo’s administration to deepen bilateral engagement and promote regional cooperation. The convergence of interests between India and Indonesia offers ample opportunities for synergy and partnership, paving the way for a stronger and more resilient Indo-Pacific region.