Unlocking Indonesia-India Defense Cooperation: Key Insights from ISI's Webinar

On March 6, 2025, the esteemed organization Indo Pacific Strategic Intelligence (ISI), in a significant partnership with the Indian Embassy in Jakarta, successfully hosted a comprehensive webinar titled "Unlocking Indonesia-India Defense Cooperation." This pivotal event was designed to delve into the myriad potential avenues for defense collaborations between the two nations, emphasizing the importance of exploring opportunities for joint ventures, facilitating technology transfer, and fostering strategic partnerships that could enhance mutual security and operational effectiveness.

Keynote Address by Indian Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty

Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, who serves as India’s representative to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, delivered a compelling keynote address that underscored the increasingly robust defense relationship being cultivated between Indonesia and India. His address encompassed several key points that highlighted the collaborative spirit and shared objectives of both nations:

• Historical & Strategic Ties – Ambassador Chakravorty emphasized the profound historical and cultural connections that bind India and Indonesia, pointing out their shared vision for regional security and stability within the broader context of the Indo-Pacific region. He spoke of the long-standing ties that have evolved over centuries, shaping a foundation for contemporary cooperation.

• India’s Defense Technology & Manufacturing – He articulated India’s remarkable advancements in defense production, showcasing the country’s evolution into a reliable partner for Indonesia’s military modernization efforts. The ambassador highlighted specific areas where India has excelled, including indigenous development of advanced weaponry and systems that could be beneficial for Indonesia.

• Opportunities for Defense Cooperation – Ambassador Chakravorty strongly advocated for the establishment of joint ventures in defense production, research, and technology transfer, with the overarching goal of fostering self-reliance and reducing dependence on Western suppliers. He outlined potential projects and collaborations that could emerge from this partnership, which would not only bolster Indonesia’s defense capabilities but also enhance India’s standing as a key player in the region.

• Maritime Security Collaboration – Given the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific, he stressed the urgent need for joint naval exercises and increased intelligence sharing to ensure that vital sea lanes remain open and secure. He noted that such collaborations would be essential in addressing common maritime security challenges and enhancing the operational readiness of both nations’ naval forces.

Remarks by Curie Maharani – Executive Director, ISI

Curie Maharani, the Executive Director of Indo Pacific Strategic Intelligence (ISI) and a prominent security analyst, provided insightful remarks that outlined the overarching objectives of the webinar. Her contributions included:

• She emphasized the critical role of defense diplomacy in enhancing bilateral ties and fostering trust between the two nations. Maharani articulated how diplomatic engagements can pave the way for more substantial military collaborations.

• She highlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing and policy coordination to support a mutually beneficial defense partnership, advocating for platforms that facilitate dialogue and collective decision-making in defense matters.

• She also discussed ISI’s pivotal role in bridging government, industry, and academia to facilitate meaningful defense collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and working towards common goals in security and defense.

Expert Panel Discussions

The webinar featured a panel of distinguished speakers from both Indonesia and India, who engaged in insightful discussions on various aspects of defense cooperation, each bringing their unique perspectives to the table:

Makmur Keliat – Indonesian Defense & Security Analyst

• Analyzed Indonesia's strategic position in the Indo-Pacific and articulated how stronger ties with India could enhance regional security. Keliat provided a comprehensive overview of the geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with India in addressing regional security challenges.

• He also discussed the policy and regulatory challenges that may impact future defense agreements between the two countries, identifying potential hurdles and suggesting ways to navigate them effectively.

Arun P. Golaya – Indian Defense Industry Expert

• Golaya highlighted India’s progress in indigenous defense manufacturing, including advancements in missile systems, naval equipment, and advanced military technologies. He showcased specific examples of successful projects and innovations that could be leveraged in collaboration with Indonesia.

• He proposed technology transfer agreements to help Indonesia strengthen its defense industry, emphasizing the mutual benefits that such arrangements could bring to both nations.

Jan Pieter – Indonesian Defense Procurement Specialist

• Pieter discussed Indonesia’s defense procurement policies and how India could become a key defense supplier. He analyzed the current procurement landscape and identified opportunities for Indian defense manufacturers to enter the Indonesian market.

• He advocated for streamlined regulations and bilateral agreements to facilitate defense trade and joint production, suggesting frameworks that would enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucratic obstacles.

Shiv Kumar – Indian Maritime Security Specialist

• Kumar stressed the importance of maritime security, particularly in securing sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific. He articulated the strategic implications of maritime security for both nations and the broader region.

• He proposed joint naval patrols, military exercises, and intelligence-sharing mechanisms between the two countries, highlighting how such collaborative efforts could significantly enhance maritime situational awareness and response capabilities.

Conclusion: Strengthening Indonesia-India Defense Cooperation

The webinar underscored the vast potential for Indonesia and India to deepen their defense collaboration. Key takeaways from the discussions included:

• India as a strong defense partner for Indonesia’s modernization plans, with a focus on collaborative projects that can enhance military capabilities.

• Increased technology transfer and joint ventures to enhance both countries’ self-reliance in defense production, ultimately leading to a more resilient defense posture.

• Maritime security cooperation as a crucial aspect of the partnership, with a shared commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

As both nations seek to strengthen their defense capabilities and expand strategic alliances, events like this pave the way for future collaborations that can significantly impact regional security dynamics. The commitment shown during this webinar reflects the mutual interests of Indonesia and India in pursuing a proactive approach to defense cooperation, ensuring a safer and more secure Indo-Pacific environment for all.

🔗 Watch the full webinar here: Unlocking Indonesia-India Defense Industry Cooperation

Photos from the webinar