Font size:
Print
Myanmar Conflict amid India-Indonesia Talks
Context:
The escalating conflict in Myanmar is set to dominate discussions between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the President’s official visit to India.
More on News
- As the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations, President Subianto began his visit with a series of high-profile meetings, including with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and key industry leaders, on January 24, 2025.
Focus on Myanmar and Regional Stability
- Shared Commitment: The inclusion of the Myanmar crisis in the agenda underscores the shared commitment of India and Indonesia to foster dialogue among the various factions in the conflict-ridden country.
- Mediation: Both nations have been actively working to mediate between Myanmar’s military junta and ethnic armed organisations, as well as the exiled National Unity Government.
- Dialogue: India recently hosted delegations from Myanmar’s ethnic armed groups and exiled government members at the Indian Council of World Affairs, following a similar initiative by Indonesia.
- These engagements aim to facilitate a dialogue that could help stabilise the situation in Myanmar, where the military junta has lost control of significant regions, including Chin State, Rakhine, and the Sagaing region.
- The fall of Maungdaw to the Arakan Army near the Indo-Bangladesh border in December 2024 further highlighted the deteriorating security situation.
- Regional Concerns: Apart from Myanmar, discussions between the two leaders will also address broader regional concerns, including tensions in the South China Sea.
Brief about India and Indonesia Relations
Historical and Cultural Ties:
- Cultural Links: Hinduism and Buddhism were introduced to Indonesia from India, influencing its cultural landscape profoundly. The epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata continue to resonate in Indonesian art and folklore.
- Political Aspirations: Post-independence, both nations have aligned on aspirations for political sovereignty and economic self-sufficiency, becoming vital voices in the Non-Aligned Movement.
Strategic and Diplomatic Engagement:
- High-Level Visits: Recent years have seen enhanced diplomatic exchanges, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in 2018, which established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This partnership includes commitments to cooperate on maritime security and regional stability.
- Defense Cooperation: The defense relationship is a cornerstone of bilateral ties, formalized since 1951. Joint military exercises like Garuda Shakti (Army) and Samudra Shakti (Navy) highlight this collaboration. The countries are also exploring defense industry partnerships, with discussions around potential arms sales, including the BrahMos missile system.
Economic Relations:
- Bilateral Trade: As of 2023-24, bilateral trade reached approximately $29.4 billion, with Indonesia being India’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN. Key imports from Indonesia include coal and palm oil, while India exports refined petroleum and telecommunications equipment.
- Investment Opportunities: Indian investments in Indonesia exceed $1.56 billion, focusing on sectors like mining and infrastructure. Both countries aim to achieve a target of $50 billion in bilateral trade by 2025.
Cultural and Educational Collaboration: India promotes cultural ties through centers in Jakarta and Bali, focusing on yoga and traditional arts. Educational cooperation is also significant, with many Indonesian students benefiting from Indian scholarships.
Multilateral Cooperation: Both nations actively participate in multilateral forums such as the G20 and ASEAN, collaborating on issues like maritime security and sustainable development.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
- Multifaceted Ties: President Subianto’s visit is being positioned as a step toward bolstering multifaceted ties between the two nations, which share deep cultural and maritime connections, as well as a history of anti-colonial struggle.
- External Affairs Minister Jaishankar described the visit as a “fitting celebration of our cherished friendship.”
- Strengthening Cooperation: In a pre-departure statement, President Subianto emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation in security, maritime affairs, and digital technology development.
- Officials from both sides are reportedly finalising agreements in areas such as medical tourism, traditional medicine, cultural exchanges, and private sector investments.
ASEAN and Beyond
- The Myanmar crisis remains a critical issue for ASEAN, with the bloc grappling with the fallout of the February 2021 military coup.
- Following his visit to India, President Subianto is expected to continue discussions on regional stability in Malaysia, highlighting Indonesia’s proactive approach to fostering peace and cooperation in Southeast Asia.
As the two largest nations in the region, India and Indonesia’s collaboration on pressing issues such as the Myanmar crisis and maritime security is poised to set the tone for stronger regional cooperation in the years ahead.
