India-Indonesia Military Talks Conclude in Bali: Both Nations Reaffirm Commitment to Regional Peace and Defense Cooperation
The 11th edition of the India-Indonesia Army Staff Talks concluded successfully in Bali, Indonesia, marking another milestone in the deepening bilateral defense relationship between the two strategic Indo-Pacific partners. Held from July 8 to 10, 2025, the high-level military engagement emphasized the shared commitment of both countries to enhancing regional peace, stability, and defense cooperation.
During the talks, officials from both the Indian and Indonesian armed forces reviewed the current state of military collaboration and explored opportunities for future growth. Key areas of discussion included bilateral and multilateral military exercises, joint psychological operations, and advanced training programs focusing on jungle warfare and mountain combat readiness. These discussions underscored the increasing synergy between the two armed forces in addressing contemporary security challenges.
According to a statement released by the Directorate of Public Relations of the Indian Army via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the talks reflected mutual trust and the shared goal of a peaceful and secure Indo-Pacific region. The dialogue highlighted the importance of continued coordination in operational activities, training exchanges, and defense industry partnerships.
The meeting in Bali followed a series of high-level engagements between the two nations. Earlier this year, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India as the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations. His visit was marked by the signing of significant agreements in the defense sector, most notably the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which both nations believe will pave the way for deeper and more structured defense ties in the years to come.
India and Indonesia also expressed satisfaction with ongoing defense initiatives, including the biennial India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), the joint military exercise ‘Garuda Shakti’, and the naval drill ‘Samudra Shakti’. Additionally, their participation in major multilateral military events such as ‘Milan’, ‘Komodo’, ‘Tarang Shakti’, and ‘Super Garuda Shield’ reflects their growing alignment in regional security efforts.
President Prabowo also conveyed Indonesia’s keen interest in collaborating with India to strengthen its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. In response, India agreed to share its technical expertise and production experience to support Indonesia’s defense modernization initiatives. Both nations reiterated their intent to leverage the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) as a vital platform to expand industrial partnerships in defense technologies and equipment.
Maritime security also featured prominently in the discussions. Both countries acknowledged the growing importance of securing sea lanes of communication, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. As two major maritime powers with shared interests, India and Indonesia pledged to enhance coordination to safeguard international maritime trade routes from emerging threats.
The military staff talks come on the heels of several recent diplomatic engagements. India’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, met with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Malaysia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended a warm welcome to Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS group, reinforcing political goodwill between the two nations.
In June, India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, held a productive meeting with his Indonesian counterpart during an international summit in Sweden, further expanding the spectrum of bilateral cooperation beyond defense. Furthermore, following ‘Operation Sindoor’, an all-party Indian delegation conducted strategic meetings in Indonesia, including discussions with the Deputy Foreign Minister.
In May, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar met Indonesia’s Culture Minister, Fadli John, during the ‘Waves 2025’ global conference, underscoring the multi-dimensional nature of the India-Indonesia partnership, which spans culture, diplomacy, governance, and defense.
The conclusion of the 11th Army Staff Talks reinforces the growing strategic convergence between India and Indonesia. Both nations continue to prioritize regional stability and peace through active defense collaboration, high-level political engagement, and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
