Darmansjah Djumala, a member of the BPIP Board of Experts for foreign relations strategy, noted that Indonesia and India have mutual interests across various domains, including defense and economic cooperation.
"Defense cooperation between the two countries can enhance the consolidation of the strategic partnership in maintaining geopolitical security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region," Djumala noted in his written remarks on Monday.
He emphasized that in the 21st century, the world's economic gravity has shifted to Asia, whose major powers include China, India, and ASEAN, of which Indonesia is a part.
Indonesia and India, with their expansive domestic market and high and stable economic growth, should partner to bolster Indo-Pacific economic growth. He said the two countries' BRICS membership will facilitate partnership in various sectors.
The BPIP expert also viewed positively the bilateral agreement on defense signed between the two countries during Prabowo's India visit as strategic in the efforts to navigate the geopolitical landscape of the Indo-Pacific region, which covers the Malacca Strait and the South China Sea.
Djumala recalled the historical context of Indonesia-India relations, highlighting Indonesia's aid of 500 thousand tons of rice to the South Asian country during its food crisis in 1946 due to the fall of the European wheat supply.
He affirmed that the "rice diplomacy" was effective in consolidating Indonesia's image and existence as a newly independent nation, leading more countries to recognize Indonesia's independence.
In reciprocation, India provided medicinal supplies to Indonesia during its struggle for independence until 1949, he added.
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Translator: Joko Susilo, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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