Maritime – India and Indonesia Advance Cooperation Around Sabang Port
Maritime – The Bharatiya Janata Party on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Indonesia visit had strengthened India’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific, following an agreement between India and Indonesia to jointly develop Sabang Port in Aceh province. The port lies close to the Strait of Malacca, a key shipping route linking the Indian Ocean with East Asia.
BJP highlights Sabang Port’s strategic location
BJP IT department head Amit Malviya said the proposed collaboration could improve India’s maritime presence in a region of growing geopolitical and commercial importance. In a post on X, he linked the Sabang Port project with the planned Great Nicobar transshipment port and said the two initiatives could support wider operational coordination across the Indo-Pacific.
Malviya noted that the Strait of Malacca is among the world’s busiest sea lanes and carries a substantial share of international trade. The route is particularly important for energy supplies and commercial shipping moving towards East Asian markets, including China. He said a stronger presence near the waterway could provide India with greater strategic and economic influence.
Opposition governments criticised over maritime policy
The BJP leader also criticised earlier Congress-led governments, alleging that they did not make adequate use of India’s location near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He said previous administrations had not invested sufficiently in maritime infrastructure or pursued a broader strategy focused on the Malacca Strait.
According to Malviya, the current government has adopted a more active approach through projects such as the Great Nicobar transshipment hub, efforts to strengthen the Andaman and Nicobar Command, and the SAGAR maritime cooperation framework. He said the Sabang Port agreement was another step towards expanding India’s role in regional maritime affairs.
Modi outlines wider cooperation agenda
Prime Minister Modi said his Indonesia visit had opened opportunities for deeper cooperation between the two countries. In a post on X, he said discussions covered defence and security, maritime collaboration, critical and emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital development and capacity building.
The Prime Minister said he was satisfied with the outcomes of the visit and expressed confidence that the engagements would further reinforce the India-Indonesia partnership. The two countries have maintained close ties through trade, regional cooperation and longstanding cultural links.
Cultural project underlines historical connections
During the visit, Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple Compound Restoration and Conservation Project. The initiative focuses on preserving the historic temple complex and reflects cooperation between the two nations in cultural conservation.
Modi described the restoration effort as an example of the civilisational connections shared by India and Indonesia. He said the relationship between the two countries is rooted in a common heritage that has linked their people for centuries.
He added that India was pleased to support Indonesia in the project and said both nations would continue working together to protect their shared cultural legacy while expanding cooperation in modern sectors.
The Sabang Port plan, along with discussions on security, technology and heritage conservation, is expected to remain an important part of the evolving India-Indonesia relationship. The agreement also reflects India’s continuing focus on maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.