India’s maritime relations with Asean nation Indonesia have been growing rapidly, with a series of high-level engagements and joint exercises. The Indian Navy is participating in the prestigious Indonesia International Fleet Review (IFR) 2025, taking place in Bali. The presence of the Indian Navy’s warship INS Shardul and the Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P-8I at the event underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The International Fleet Review, scheduled from February 15 to February 22, 2025, is a major multinational naval event, where the Indonesian President will review naval forces from around the world. The participation of the Indian Navy at this event highlights India’s deepening maritime ties with Indonesia, a key player in Southeast Asia.
https://x.com/indiannavy/status/1891112379381166343
Alongside the IFR, both INS Shardul and the P-8I will join the Maritime Exercise Komodo, a multilateral naval exercise aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation and promoting regional security.
Bilateral Naval Cooperation
This visit is not the first sign of India’s robust naval engagements with Indonesia. The Indian Navy has increasingly prioritized strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations, with Indonesia being a focal point in its strategy for regional maritime security. The deployment of INS Shardul and the P-8I for the IFR 2025, alongside participation in Exercise Komodo, is a clear display of India’s commitment to ensuring maritime peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Earlier in January 2025, India’s INS Mumbai and P-8I aircraft also participated in the LA PEROUSE exercises in Indonesia, further cementing this relationship. These activities align with India’s broader vision under the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative, aimed at fostering stronger maritime cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Indonesia’s Interest in BrahMos Missile
One of the key drivers of the growing India-Indonesia defence ties is the potential purchase of India’s advanced BrahMos missile system. During his visit to India, Indonesian Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Ali visited BrahMos Aerospace in Delhi to explore further collaboration in defence and strategy. The BrahMos missile, a supersonic cruise missile co-developed by India and Russia, is considered one of the most advanced and lethal strike weapons in the world.
The talks according to sources in in an advanced stage for the expected deal which is approximately worth $ 450 million.
This development is significant, especially given Indonesia’s rising tensions with China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Like the Philippines, which bought three BrahMos batteries in 2024, Indonesia’s decision to procure this advanced missile is a strategic move to boost its defence capabilities.
The Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, had also closely observed the BrahMos missile during the Republic Day celebrations in India, reinforcing the strengthening defence ties between the two nations.
As both nations work towards strengthening their defence partnerships, the Indian Navy’s ongoing presence in Indonesia and the potential defence deals set the stage for a promising future in bilateral maritime cooperation.
