India and Indonesia share one of the world’s most enduring bilateral relationships, rooted not in modern diplomacy but in a civilisational connection that stretches back nearly two millennia. Ancient Indian traders, scholars and spiritual leaders carried Indian culture, religion and traditions across the seas to the Indonesian archipelago, leaving an imprint that remains visible in the country’s cultural and social fabric.

The continued presence of Hindu traditions in Bali, the popularity of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the influence of Sanskrit on the Indonesian language and the country's national symbol, Garuda, all reflect this deep historical linkage. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these age-old cultural ties have increasingly been transformed into the foundation of a modern strategic partnership.

Highest Civilian Honour and India's Rising Global Profile

Indonesia’s decision to confer its highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna, on Prime Minister Modi is being viewed as more than a diplomatic gesture. It represents recognition of India’s ancient civilisation, its growing global stature and the deep cultural affinity between the two nations.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s reference to his "Indian DNA" and his praise for Prime Minister Modi’s leadership further highlight India’s expanding soft power, which now extends beyond yoga and culture to include education, digital public infrastructure, democratic institutions and heritage conservation.

A New Level of Trust in Defence Cooperation

Perhaps the most significant transformation in India-Indonesia ties has been in the strategic and defence domain. Indonesia, which had supported Pakistan during the 1965 India-Pakistan war, is today emerging as one of India’s closest strategic partners.

Indonesia’s decision to procure India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and its interest in the indigenous Astra air-to-air missile system underscore the growing trust between the two countries. Both sides have also agreed to enhance military cooperation, including training Indonesian officers at India’s National Defence Academy (NDA) and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC).

Expanding Maritime Partnership in the Indo-Pacific

Maritime cooperation has become another key pillar of the bilateral relationship. India and Indonesia have agreed to deepen cooperation in maritime security, coast guard coordination, blue economy initiatives, port development and Indian Ocean trade.

The two countries have also agreed to jointly develop the strategically important Sabang Port, located near the entrance of the Malacca Strait and close to India's ambitious Great Nicobar infrastructure project. The cooperation is expected to significantly strengthen the two nations' strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

New Frontiers in Minerals, Space and Digital Connectivity

India and Indonesia are also expanding cooperation in critical minerals, including rare earth magnets, nickel and steel supply chains. Agreements between companies from both countries are expected to diversify supply chains and boost industrial collaboration.

In the space sector, the two countries have agreed to work together on satellite technology, remote sensing, joint research and capacity building, opening new opportunities in agriculture, disaster management and communications.

Digital cooperation is also gaining momentum. India has offered to share its Digital Public Infrastructure model, including UPI-like payment systems, with Indonesia. Discussions are also underway on potential integration between India’s UPI and Indonesia’s QRIS digital payment systems.

Education, Health and Democratic Cooperation

The opening of the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore in Indonesia’s Singhasari Special Economic Zone marks a major step in projecting India’s educational soft power across Southeast Asia.

India has also agreed to assist Indonesia in developing its own Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) system, with election authorities from both countries signing an agreement on knowledge sharing and technological cooperation.

In healthcare, affordable Indian medicines are expected to become available to Indonesia’s 280 million citizens, accompanied by fellowship programmes for doctors and healthcare professionals. India has also offered to share its experiences in public welfare programmes and has announced the supply of 100 tonnes of high-quality wheat seeds to strengthen agricultural cooperation and food security.

From Civilisation to Strategy

Prime Minister Modi’s Indonesia visit demonstrated that India increasingly views its ancient civilisation not merely as a matter of historical pride but as a strategic asset capable of shaping future partnerships.

Shared cultural symbols such as the Ramayana, Sanskrit, Garuda and Bali are no longer just reminders of a common past; they are becoming the foundations of an emerging strategic partnership between the two nations.

Today, India and Indonesia are deepening cooperation across culture, defence, technology, education, maritime security and democratic governance. Their evolving partnership is not only redefining bilateral ties but is also expected to play a significant role in shaping the geopolitical and economic landscape of the Indo-Pacific in the years ahead.