India and Indonesia, driven by their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and aligned with India’s Act East Policy, are intensifying their defence, maritime security and multilateral cooperation.
At the 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting on May 3, 2024 in Delhi, officials of both countries expressed satisfaction with their progress in defence collaboration. They reviewed the progress made on various bilateral defense cooperation initiatives discussed in meetings of Working Groups on Defense Cooperation and Defense Industries Cooperation.
Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Indonesia, Air Marshal Donny Ermawan Taufanto, M.D.S. co-chaired the 7th India-Indonesia JDCC.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the Secretary General of Indonesia visited the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Headquarters in New Delhi as well as TATA Advanced Systems and L&T Defence facilities in Pune.
During his visit, discussions were held with Indian defense industry partners like Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mahindra Defense, and Bharat Forge. The focus was on identifying ways to enhance defense industrial capabilities through cooperation in research and joint production.
Furthermore, around 36 Indian defense companies, including DPSUs and private sector companies, participated in the first-ever India-Indonesia Defence Industry Exhibition – Cum seminar held in Jakarta.
In his address Indian Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty highlighted the potential for long-term partnerships in the defense sector, highlighting India’s commitment to sharing experiences and technologies with Indonesia.
This partnership, deeply rooted in bilateral and multilateral cooperation, underscores Indonesia’s pivotal role in India’s Act East Policy and the broader Indo-Pacific landscape.
In current times, this partnership is characterised by closed cooperation in bilateral and multilateral arena, including frequent high-level interactions. Indonesia is an important partner in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific region.
He also called on the Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan during the visit. Earlier he laid a wreath and paid homage to the fallen heroes at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.