Warming india–Indonesia Rhetoric Belies Challenges of Global South Leadership
Indonesian President Prabowo subianto’s recent visit too India has reignited discussions about the potential for collaboration between the two most populous democracies in the Global South. While the rhetoric surrounding the summit was optimistic,experts caution that critically important challenges remain in realizing the full potential of the bilateral relationship.New Delhi and Jakarta share many progress challenges and foreign policy objectives. as neighbors with no major bilateral disputes, they are uniquely positioned to lead calls for reform of international institutions. Their overlapping worldviews and shared cultural heritage—from Bollywood to the Ramayana—add a layer of mutual understanding that could strengthen their partnership.
Though, despite these promising foundations, the road to meaningful collaboration is not without obstacles. The bilateral relationship has faced past tensions, such as Indonesia’s lack of solidarity with India during the 1962 China-India war and its support for Pakistan in the 1965 India-Pakistan conflict, including the provision of weapons [[1]]. These past actions have left lingering mistrust that must be addressed for the partnership to thrive.
Economically, the relationship has seen significant growth. bilateral trade, which was less than $3 billion in 2000, surged to $38.85 billion by 2025 [[2]].This growth has been bolstered by India’s deeper engagement with ASEAN, of which Indonesia is a key member. Yet, experts argue that economic ties alone are not enough to cement a strategic partnership.
Indonesia’s foreign policy approach, described as ”non-alignment 2.0,” complicates matters. This modern take on traditional non-alignment emphasizes “smart engagement,” allowing Indonesia to develop close economic ties with China while maintaining security relationships with othre nations [[3]]. This balancing act could strain its relationship with India, notably as New Delhi seeks stronger alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.
| Key Aspects of India-Indonesia Relations |
|———————————————|
| Shared Cultural Heritage | Bollywood, Ramayana |
| Bilateral Trade (2025) | $38.85 billion |
| Historical Tensions | 1962 China-India war, 1965 India-pakistan war |
| Foreign Policy Approach | Indonesia’s “non-alignment 2.0” |
The summit between India and indonesia has laid the groundwork for future collaboration, but the path forward is fraught with challenges. Both nations must navigate historical mistrust, economic disparities, and divergent foreign policy strategies to unlock the full potential of their partnership.
For a deeper analysis of the challenges and opportunities in India-Indonesia relations, click here to read the full Expert Comment on the Chatham house website.
As the multilateral system continues to fracture, the world will be watching to see if these two democracies can rise to the occasion and provide the leadership the Global South desperately needs.
