Despite similar strategic interests, India-Indonesia relationships were not focussed upon, however rapidly evolving regional strategic realities have forced both to coordinate their policies even more closely. Analyze.

India and Indonesia from the past have maintained cultural, economical and people to people contact. E.g. Rule of Hindu Dynasty in Indonesia, relation of Cholas with Indonesia, etc.

But after independence (from 1950s), the relation were neglected and there is very little trade and commerce between the two countries.

Increasing coordination between India and Indonesia:

• Similar interests in multilateral forums such as WTO, UN, etc as both are developing countries.
• Indian Ocean region – Both countries are willing to secure a safe and stable and prosperous Indian Ocean.
• Close proximity of Indian islands, Andaman and Nicobar to Indonesia. Thus increasing coordination is imperative.
• Humanitarian help – India’s sent humanitarian assistance after Indonesian tsunami in 2018, India also helped by supplying vaccines during Covid pandemic.
• Countering the influence of China – It is imperative that both the countries should work together.
• Increase in economic growth, thus the trade relations are improving.
• Indian initiatives – RIMES (Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System), IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium), IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), etc.

Thus in these changing times and rapidly evolving regional strategic realities, India and Indonesia must coordinate their policy more closely.