The 11th India–Indonesia Army Staff Talks wrapped up in Bali, signaling a strengthened defense partnership between the two nations. Spanning from July 8 to 10, this high-level dialogue involved senior military officials who collectively emphasized their dedication to enhancing regional peace, improving joint operational capabilities, and sharing strategic interests.
Discussions during the talks were centered on bolstering both bilateral and multilateral military cooperation. A significant focus was placed on joint training initiatives in jungle and mountain warfare, areas where both armies have considerable operational experience. The conversations also touched upon enhancing exchanges related to counter-intelligence, specifically addressing psychological operations aimed at countering misinformation and adapting to evolving regional security threats.
This strengthened collaboration is built on a robust foundation of past support, notably India’s humanitarian response during the catastrophic Palu tsunami in 2018. With both countries increasingly concerned about hybrid threats and non-traditional security challenges, India’s expertise in psychological operations—as highlighted in a 2023 RAND Corporation study—was pinpointed as a critical area for collaborative efforts to combat disinformation across the region.
Additionally, the talks revealed mutual interest in technical cooperation, particularly regarding maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of military platforms. This dialogue aligns closely with Indonesia’s ongoing military modernization initiatives. India has offered to supply systems such as the Akash surface-to-air missile and the Pralay short-range ballistic missile as potential defense exports.
The successful conclusion of the Army Staff Talks marks a pivotal advancement in deepening the strategic alignment between India and Indonesia. This partnership reflects their shared goal of fostering a secure, stable, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
