India-Indonesia: Deepening ties thro' soft power, strategic cooperation

Soft power diplomacy operates like a long-term investment, exhibiting gradual yet compounding growth. Its unique strength lies in its ability to yield significant influence precisely when it matters most - Bharat has prioritised soft power diplomacy over military might as a cornerstone of its foreign policy. The inclusion of an Indonesian military band and marching contingent at the forefront of India's 75th Republic Day parade exemaplifies the use of soft power diplomacy. Indonesia is "a very important pillar of our Act-East policy and our vision for the Indo-Pacific."

The historical, cultural, and trade ties between India and Indonesia are ancient. However, since India's Independence in 1947, there has been continuous engagement between people and leadership, fostering an enduring relationship between the two nations. President Achmed Sukarno of Indonesia was India's first Republic Day's chief guest. As Bharat celebrates its 76th Republic Day, current President Prabowo Subianto is the Chief Guest, embarking on a four-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi. This positioning underscores the enduring nature of the relationship with this crucial nation in the Indo-Pacific. During the press conference, Prime Minister Modi addressed President Prabowo as "my brother." In diplomacy, language and choice of words hold significant weight, and this gesture indicates the direction of their shared journey.

New Delhi has expanded its offering worldwide as part of its soft power diplomacy. In the past, it relied heavily on Indian culture & heritage, Bollywood, Indian cuisines, and the Indian diaspora. HHS Viswanathan is a former Indian diplomat and distinguished fellow at the Observer Research Foundation. He specialises in foreign policy and soft power diplomacy. In his talk on India’s Soft Power Diplomacy at IIM Tiruchirappalli, Viswanathan defined soft power as "Capabilities" that "a nation acquires over a period of time." He further emphasised that "with new capabilities, the Foreign Policy approaches of a country evolve."

Under PM Modi, new areas have emerged, such as being global first responders during natural calamities and providing access to technology to reduce the digital divide between countries, especially in the Global South, by offering digital revolutions – such as UPI. India also protected lives by offering vaccines when the world needed them most during COVID-19.

Thus, President Subianto has shown a keen interest in studying and implementing Bharat's social security and development programs, recognising New Delhi's strong commitment to supporting his country in rolling out these initiatives. The Indonesian President has repeatedly stated, "If something works in a country of 1.4 billion people, it must be replicable elsewhere." As a result, Indonesia is actively exploring India's social security and development models, with the mid-day meal scheme already successfully replicated in the country. Both leaders discussed the "entire gamut of bilateral relations within the framework of the Comprehensive Strateaic Partnership" which the two nations had entered in 2018; their discussions covered "cooperation in areas of defence and security, maritime domain, trade and investment, connectivity, digital economy, tourism, health and people-to-people ties."

What is Bharat offering, and what does it actually mean?

Protecting ASEAN Interests in the South China Sea

Several member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Indonesia, are situated within the South China Sea, a vital trade route and a rich source of marine and mineral resources. China has asserted sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, overlapping with several ASEAN member states' Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), leading to maritime border disputes. ASEAN members have consistently sought peaceful resolutions to these disputes and advocated for a binding Code of Conduct for maritime activity in the South China Sea.

However, Beijing's actions have repeatedly obstructed these efforts. In 2017, the Indonesian government issued a new official map renaming a portion of the South China Sea within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as "Laut Natuna Utara" or North Natuna Sea. Jakarta implemented this assertive move following repeated incursions by Chinese vessels. Due to limitations in its naval and coast guard capabilities, Indonesia faces challenges in adequately protecting its vast coastline and maritime interests. In this context, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on maritime safety and security signed between the Indian Coast Guard and BAKAMLA (the Indonesian Coast Guard) assumes significant importance. This agreement enhances trade, defence, and maritime cooperation with Bharat's "important partner" Indonesia, in maintaining security and a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

Securing neighbours to enhance own security

Bharat has actively worked towards enhancing the security needs of friendly nations in its neighbourhood and "extended neighbourhood" through closer and wide-ranging defence cooperation. The underlying mantra of New Delhi appears to be to improve Neighbourhood security to enhance one's own protection. This approach is evident in the growing defence cooperation with Indonesia, including ASEAN nations, which aims to cover a "very wide canvas" encompassing joint exercises, greater coordination and collaboration, increased training exchanges, and initiatives like repair and maintenance of common platforms. The President of Indonesia is expected to send a high-powered defence delegation to India in the coming weeks, further solidifying this crucial partnership.

Decentralising space technology: India's support for the global south

Bharat has been quietly working on decentralising space technology, particularly for the Global South. This has involved launching satellites for and supporting neighbouring countries in their space endeavours. Examples include launching the South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9) for SAARC nations and other regional partners. ISRO's cost-effective launch vehicles, like the PSLV, offer competitive and reliable launch services for smaller satellites from developing countries, making space access more affordable and accessible. Soon, ISRO will be launching "a couple of Indonesian satellites" using its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

Winning young minds through education

According to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), approximately 180 countries send students to India to study on scholarships offered by the Indian government, with an annual total of 3,800 scholarships distributed across various schemes.

Bharat has consistently offered scholarships to students from across the globe, particularly from developing countries. This strategic approach recognises that these young people act as ambassadors of India, carrying its message and values back to their respective nations. President Prabowo expressed keen interest in Indian institutions of higher learning establishing campuses in Indonesia. He also emphasised the importance of welcoming more Indonesian students to India. Approximately a dozen Indonesians are pursuing PhD programs under the Indo-ASEAN PhD framework.

Furthermore, education, particularly in the medical field, is a key area of cooperation for Indonesia and India. The President strongly supported the establishment of medical colleges in Indonesia, signifying a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties.

Strengthening ties with ASEAN and Indonesia

Indonesia is an important partner in the ASEAN and Indo-Pacific region. Bilateral trade between the two nations has exceeded USD 30 billion. While New Delhi and Jakarta are committed to "maintaining peace, security, prosperity, and a rules-based order in this entire region," they also "agree that Freedom of Navigation must be ensured in accordance with International Laws.

" New Delhi has emphasised ASEAN unity and centrality in its Act East Policy. It has worked closely with Indonesia on platforms like the G-20, ASEAN, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association. India has also welcomed Indonesia's membership in BRICS. The year 2025 shall be celebrated as the Indo-ASEAN Year of Tourism, which will promote cultural exchanges and tourism between the two nations.

Bharat and Indonesia have a relationship that goes back through millennia. Indian "seafarers have been travelling, carrying trade as well as culture" between the two nations that share a common heritage of Mahabharata and Ramayana. So, this "age-old relationship is now modernising" to meet the needs of geopolitical and emerging world order.

(The author is Founder of My Startup TV)