Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday unveiled the 'Ganga-Mahakam Vision' to redefine India-Indonesia ties, proposing a long-term strategic partnership spanning maritime security, defence, connectivity, economic growth and the Global South. The joint development of Indonesia's Sabang port and India's Great Nicobar project lies at the heart of this Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Five-Pillar Framework for a New Era
Addressing the Indonesian Parliament after summit talks with President Prabowo Subianto, Modi said the two maritime neighbours were entering 'a new era' of partnership. He outlined a five-pillar framework centred on civilisational links, shared development, strategic trust, maritime prosperity and a stronger voice for the Global South.
'From Sabang to Great Nicobar, from the Malacca gateway to the Indo-Pacific, we will create new opportunities in connectivity, logistics, blue economy, maritime security and trade resilience,' Modi said, underscoring the strategic importance of the two ports located near one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.
Strategic Port Development
The vision comes a day after India and Indonesia agreed to jointly develop Sabang port in Indonesia's Aceh province, barely 100 miles from India's upcoming Great Nicobar transhipment port project. This move is expected to significantly strengthen maritime connectivity and strategic cooperation in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Modi described India and Indonesia as 'natural partners' and major maritime powers. He noted that the two countries together represented nearly one-fifth of humanity and could shape the future of the Indo-Pacific through closer cooperation in defence, trade, technology and security.
Democracy as Foundation
Calling democracy the bedrock of the relationship, Modi said India, the 'Mother of Democracy', and Indonesia, the world's third-largest democracy, had demonstrated that diversity strengthens democratic institutions and drives economic growth.
Space and Defence Cooperation
The Prime Minister also pitched deeper cooperation in futuristic sectors, particularly space technology. 'India is ready to assist Indonesia in developing satellite launch facilities while expanding collaboration in satellite applications and capacity building,' he said. He noted that Indonesia's Biak tracking facilities had long supported India's space programme.
Seeking stronger strategic coordination, Modi reiterated India's support for a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific with ASEAN at its centre. He called for closer cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security and defence. He thanked Indonesia for standing with India after the Pahalgam terror attack and said the two countries should further strengthen cooperation against terrorism, cyber threats, terror financing and radicalisation.
Global South and UN Reforms
On global issues, Modi renewed India's call for reforms of the UN Security Council, saying the changing world order required greater representation for developing countries. He also welcomed Indonesia's entry into BRICS and said the two countries could work together during India's BRICS Chairship this year to make the grouping more responsive to the priorities of the Global South.
Civilisational Links
Highlighting the deep civilisational links between the two countries, Modi recalled their shared heritage rooted in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Nalanda, Borobudur and Prambanan. He said the relationship extended far beyond diplomacy to centuries of cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean.
The Prime Minister also invited Indonesian parliamentarians to visit India and expressed confidence that the two countries would remain 'Partners Forever', working together for shared prosperity and regional stability.
