Hindu Editorial Analysis : 27-January-2025
The recent state visit of the Indonesian President to India, where he served as the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations, highlighted the strong and long-standing relationship between the two countries. This visit also marked the 75th anniversary of India-Indonesia diplomatic relations, which encompass various areas of bilateral cooperation.
Historical and Cultural Ties
Ancient Connections:
India and Indonesia have shared deep historical and cultural links dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The two countries engaged in trade and cultural exchanges, which laid the foundation for strong ties.
Cultural Influence:
The epic tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata have significantly influenced Indonesian folklore, music, dance, and theater. The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism played a key role in the rise of empires such as Srivijaya and Majapahit, with iconic landmarks like Borobudur and Prambanan temples serving as reminders of this rich history.
Trade Links:
Ancient trade routes connected Indian coastal regions, particularly Kalinga, to islands like Java, Borneo, Sumatra, and Bali, further strengthening their relations.
Cultural Exchange Programme (2025-2028):
A new cultural exchange programme will further enhance people-to-people ties, continuing a centuries-old tradition of mutual respect and cultural sharing.
Political and Economic Relations
Shared Colonial Experiences:
Both nations share a history of colonialism and have embraced democracy and pluralism. Indonesia’s first Republic Day in 1950 saw its President Sukarno as the Guest of Honour.
Economic Partnership:
Indonesia is one of India’s largest trading partners within ASEAN. Bilateral trade reached USD 38.8 billion in 2022–2023. Both nations have committed to resolving tariff and non-tariff trade barriers and aim to conclude the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.
Strategic Partnership:
The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed in 2018, aims to improve cooperation in defense, trade, investment, and maritime security. Mechanisms such as the India–Indonesia Security Dialogue and the Cyber Security Dialogue are helping deepen this partnership.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Defense Cooperation:
Joint military exercises like Ex Garuda Shakti (Army) and Ex Samudra Shakti (Navy), and multilateral exercises such as Milan and Komodo, have strengthened their defense ties. - Energy Security:
The two countries are exploring joint projects in critical minerals, including nickel and tin. India’s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited plans to invest $121 million in Indonesia’s Nunukan oil and gas block. - Infrastructure and Connectivity:
An expanded Air Services Agreement is boosting trade, tourism, and exchanges. Collaborative efforts within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) are promoting regional development. - Science, Technology, and Space Cooperation:
The renewed MoU on Scientific and Technological Cooperation has paved the way for collaboration on space research, including projects between India’s ISRO and Indonesia’s BRIN. - Climate Change and Disaster Resilience:
Indonesia has joined India’s Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and both countries are working together on disaster management and climate change initiatives.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the strong relationship, both nations face some challenges:
- Trade Imbalances:
Indonesia’s trade surplus with India, driven by exports of coal and palm oil, continues to be a concern. - Regulatory Hurdles:
Streamlining permits, quotas, and non-tariff barriers remains an ongoing issue for smoother trade. - Logistical Constraints:
Infrastructure and transportation bottlenecks in both countries hinder deeper economic integration. - Geopolitical Dynamics:
Geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, especially China’s growing influence, require closer cooperation to ensure regional stability.
Why In News
The recent state visit of the Indonesian President to India and his role as the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day not only marked the 75th anniversary of India-Indonesia diplomatic relations but also underscored the growing importance of their multifaceted partnership, spanning political, economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation.
MCQs about India-Indonesia Relations
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What marked the 75th anniversary of India-Indonesia diplomatic relations?
A. India’s participation in the ASEAN summit
B. The Indonesian President’s state visit to India and his role as the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day
C. The signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018
D. India’s invitation to Indonesia to join the Global Biofuels Alliance
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Which of the following areas is a key focus of the India-Indonesia strategic partnership?
A. Scientific and Technological Cooperation
B. Maritime Security and Defense Cooperation
C. Space Technology alone
D. Bilateral Trade in commodities only
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What was a significant cultural influence from India on Indonesia mentioned in the essay?
A. The spread of Islam
B. The epics of *Ramayana* and *Mahabharata*
C. India’s architectural styles
D. The development of Indonesian cuisine
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What is one of the challenges faced in the India-Indonesia economic relations?
A. Excessive political interference
B. Regulatory hurdles and non-tariff barriers
C. Lack of cultural understanding
D. Geographical distance
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