India and Indonesia are intensifying diplomatic efforts to reshape Indo-Pacific regional architecture by prioritizing the interests of the Global South. By strengthening bilateral ties and fostering inclusive cooperation, both nations aim to balance major power competition while ensuring that regional security frameworks remain focused on economic development and non-aligned sovereignty.
Why India and Indonesia are aligning their foreign policies
India and Indonesia share a commitment to "strategic autonomy," a policy position that avoids formal military alliances with either the United States or China. According to the Observer Research Foundation, this shared outlook serves as the foundation for their cooperation. Both nations view themselves as bridge-builders capable of representing the interests of developing economies that often feel sidelined by the competitive dynamics of the Quad or China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
The relationship has matured significantly since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. Recent diplomatic exchanges focus on maritime security, digital public infrastructure, and climate finance, moving away from purely symbolic gestures toward tangible, project-based collaboration.
How the Global South influences Indo-Pacific security
The concept of the "Global South" has become a central pillar of India’s foreign policy, particularly following its G20 presidency. For Indonesia, the focus remains on maintaining the centrality of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The two countries argue that regional security should not be defined solely by military containment. Instead, as noted by the Council on Foreign Relations, they advocate for:
- Economic Resilience: Strengthening supply chains to reduce dependence on a single market.
- Maritime Cooperation: Joint efforts to combat illegal fishing and piracy in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Inclusive Infrastructure: Promoting development projects that prioritize local debt sustainability rather than strategic leverage for external powers.
Comparison of regional approaches
| Feature | India’s Approach | Indonesia’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Focus | Indian Ocean and Himalayan borders | Southeast Asian maritime stability |
| Primary Platform | G20, Quad, BRICS+ | ASEAN, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) |
| Core Philosophy | Strategic autonomy and global leadership | ASEAN Centrality and non-interference |
What happens next for regional cooperation
The future of this partnership depends on the ability of New Delhi and Jakarta to translate political consensus into institutional action. Both nations face the challenge of balancing their economic ties with China—the largest trading partner for both—against their security concerns regarding Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea and the Indian border.
Moving forward, expect increased naval interoperability and more frequent ministerial-level dialogues. The Ministry of External Affairs of India has indicated that future engagements will likely prioritize the "Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative," a framework designed to promote sustainable management of marine resources. By anchoring their regional strategy in the collective needs of the Global South, India and Indonesia are attempting to carve out a third way in an increasingly polarized geopolitical landscape.
Related reading