UPSC Mapping

Component	Details
GS Paper	GS-II
Subject	International Relations
Prelims	ASEAN, BrahMos, Indo-Pacific, Indonesia
Mains	India’s Act East Policy and strategic partnerships
Static Linkage	ASEAN, Indian Ocean Region, Maritime Security, SAGAR, Act East Policy
Institutions	ASEAN, Indian Navy, DRDO, BrahMos Aerospace
International Concepts	Indo-Pacific, Freedom of Navigation, Maritime Security

Article

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia and held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Both countries signed several agreements covering defence cooperation, critical minerals, maritime security, agriculture and space cooperation. Reports indicate discussions on supplying BrahMos missile batteries to Indonesia worth nearly US$200 million.

Quick Facts

Fact	Details
Capital	Jakarta
Currency	Indonesian Rupiah
Member	ASEAN, G20
Strategic Waterway	Malacca Strait
Shared Maritime Region	Indian Ocean & Indo-Pacific

Background

India and Indonesia established diplomatic relations in 1949. Both countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.

Indonesia occupies a strategically important location between the Indian and Pacific Oceans and controls access to key maritime routes through the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

1. Defence Cooperation

• Discussions on supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile batteries.
• Cooperation in Astra air-to-air missile systems.
• Expansion of defence technology collaboration.
• Greater military exercises and defence-industrial partnership.

2. Maritime Security

• Maritime domain awareness
• Naval cooperation
• Freedom of navigation
• Search and rescue
• Counter-piracy operations

This supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

3. Critical Minerals

• Nickel
• Cobalt
• Rare earth elements

Indonesia possesses one of the world’s largest nickel reserves, crucial for electric vehicle batteries and clean energy technologies.

4. Space Cooperation

• Satellite applications
• Remote sensing
• Space technology
• Capacity building

5. Agriculture

• Food security
• Agricultural technology
• Sustainable farming
• Capacity building

Prelims Package

Prelims Revision Points

• Indonesia is an ASEAN member.
• Indonesia controls the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok Straits.
• BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia.
• Indonesia is among the world’s largest producers of nickel.
• SAGAR stands for Security and Growth for All in the Region.

MCQs

• Q1. Indonesia is strategically important mainly because it:
  A. Shares a land border with India
  B. Controls major maritime chokepoints connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans
  C. Is a member of BRICS
  D. Hosts the headquarters of BIMSTEC
  Answer: B
• Q2. BrahMos missile is jointly developed by India and:
  A. France
  B. Russia
  C. Israel
  D. USA
  Answer: B
• Q3. Which policy primarily guides India’s engagement with ASEAN?
  A. Look West Policy
  B. Neighbourhood First
  C. Act East Policy
  D. Cotton Route Policy
  Answer: C
• Q4. Which mineral is Indonesia globally known for?
  A. Lithium
  B. Nickel
  C. Uranium
  D. Platinum
  Answer: B
• Q5. SAGAR is associated with:
  A. River conservation
  B. Maritime security
  C. Agriculture
  D. Disaster management
  Answer: B

Mains Package

GS-II (10 Marks)

Discuss the strategic importance of Indonesia in India’s Indo-Pacific policy.

GS-II (15 Marks)

India’s defence partnerships are increasingly becoming instruments of strategic diplomacy. Examine with reference to India–Indonesia relations.

Answer Framework

• Introduction
• Strategic geography
• Defence cooperation
• Maritime security
• Critical minerals
• ASEAN centrality
• Indo-Pacific significance
• Challenges
• Way forward
• Conclusion

FAQs

• 1. Why is Indonesia strategically important for India?
  Indonesia lies along key maritime routes connecting the Indian and Pacific Oceans, making it central to Indo-Pacific security and trade.
• 2. What is the BrahMos missile?
  BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia for land, sea and air launch platforms.
• 3. Why are critical minerals important?
  Critical minerals such as nickel and rare earth elements are essential for electric vehicles, batteries, renewable energy and advanced electronics.
• 4. What is India’s Act East Policy?
  It is India’s strategy to deepen political, economic and strategic engagement with Southeast Asia and the wider Indo-Pacific.
• 5. What is SAGAR?
  Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) is India’s maritime vision promoting regional cooperation, security and sustainable development.