Indo-Pacific – Modi Calls for Stronger India-Indonesia Democratic Partnership
Indo-Pacific – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told Indonesia’s Parliament that India remains committed to development, cooperation and a stable rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. Stressing the importance of closer engagement between New Delhi and Jakarta, he said both countries could contribute significantly to regional peace, democratic values and shared prosperity.
Development Takes Priority Over Expansionism
In his address, Modi said India’s approach is based on growth and partnership rather than territorial expansion. He stated that the country supports development that benefits all nations and communities.
“India is a nation that follows the path of development, not expansionism,” Modi said. He added that India believes in prosperity through cooperation and collective progress.
Although the Prime Minister did not name any country, his comments came at a time when several Southeast Asian nations have raised concerns about military activity and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. India has consistently supported respect for sovereignty, peaceful settlement of disagreements and an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific region.
Democracies With Shared Maritime Interests
Modi described India and Indonesia as two major democracies with strong maritime identities. He said their cooperation could influence the future direction of the Indo-Pacific, particularly in areas related to security, connectivity, trade and regional stability.
According to the Prime Minister, the partnership between the two nations also reinforces confidence in democratic systems. He said that when India and Indonesia work together, they demonstrate that democracy can create trust, opportunities and long-term progress.
Both countries have expanded cooperation in recent years through maritime dialogue, defence engagement, trade discussions and people-to-people exchanges. Their location along important sea routes has also made their partnership relevant to wider regional developments.
Historical Ties Shape Modern Cooperation
Modi recalled that India and Indonesia share a long civilisational connection built through cultural exchange, trade links and maritime contact. He noted that the relationship between the two countries has developed steadily since the early years after independence.
The Prime Minister referred to the Bandung Conference of 1955, a major gathering of Asian and African countries that promoted cooperation among newly independent nations and opposed colonial rule. India and Indonesia played important roles in that conference, which later became an important moment in the development of the Non-Aligned Movement.
He said the shared history of both nations continues to provide a strong base for future engagement. Modi added that there are broad opportunities for cooperation in trade, technology, digital services, connectivity and maritime development.
Focus on Trade, Technology and Connectivity
The Prime Minister said India and Indonesia have the potential to strengthen their economic partnership further. He pointed to trade, investment, digital innovation and infrastructure as sectors where greater collaboration could benefit both countries.
He also highlighted maritime cooperation as an important part of bilateral ties. India and Indonesia are located near key shipping routes, making coordination on sea security, disaster response, sustainable development and regional connectivity increasingly important.
Modi said the two countries should use their shared strengths to build practical partnerships that support economic growth and regional resilience.
Call for United Nations Reform
Speaking about global governance, Modi said international institutions must reflect present-day realities. He reiterated India’s position that reform of the United Nations Security Council should not be postponed further.
The Prime Minister argued that a more representative and effective United Nations system is necessary to address current global challenges. India has long called for expanded representation in the Security Council, saying the existing structure does not adequately reflect the political and economic changes seen across the world.
Warm Reception During Indonesia Visit
Modi also thanked the Indonesian government and citizens for the reception he received during his visit. He said the welcome shown by the people of Indonesia would remain among the most memorable moments of his life.
He noted that the warmth extended to him reflected the enduring friendship between India and Indonesia. His address underlined New Delhi’s intention to deepen engagement with Jakarta as both countries seek a larger role in shaping the Indo-Pacific region.