India-Indonesia Relations

Indonesia

• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India as the chief guest at the Republic Day parade.
• Indonesia stands as India's second-largest trading partner within the ASEAN region, after Singapore.
• Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia saw an increase from $4.3 billion (2005-06) to $38.84 billion (2022-23), before decreasing to $29.40 billion (2023-24).
• India holds the position of the second-largest buyer of coal and the largest buyer of crude palm oil sourced from Indonesia.
• Indonesian investments in India are valued at $653.8 million, whereas Indian investments in Indonesia are worth $1.56 billion.

Defence Ties

• India and Indonesia engage in coordinated patrols bi-annually, conducted jointly by both nations' navies.
• Garud Shakti is a bilateral joint special forces exercise, recently hosted in Jakarta.
• Samudra Shakti is a bilateral naval exercise, with the most recent session taking place in Batam, Indonesia in 2023.
• Multilateral exercises include Milan, Komodo, Tarang Shakti, and Super Garuda Shield.
• Indonesia is in discussions with India about the acquisition of the BrahMos missile system.

Connectivity

• India's Bharat Petroleum Corp intends to invest $121 million in Indonesia's Nunukan Gas Block Project.
• India became the first Dialogue Partner to join the Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand-Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) initiative.
• Sabang Port is in Indonesia’s Aceh province and is near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which allows easier access to the Malacca Straits, and India and Indonesia are discussing India developing the Sabang Port.
• The Aceh-Andamans connectivity initiative is considered a key element of the Shared Vision of Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, formalized between India and Indonesia in 2018.

Strategic Partnership

• India and Indonesia upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
• Both nations belong to the Global South, are members of the G20 and now the BRICS economic group.
• A local currency trade agreement between India and Indonesia was signed in 2024.
• Indonesia was invited to join the International Solar Alliance and the International Big Cat Alliance by India.
• A bilateral dialogue mechanism has been created, encompassing the India-Indonesia Security Dialogue, Consular Dialogue, and Policy Planning Dialogue.
• India and Indonesia have jointly taken the lead in humanitarian aid and disaster relief activities at the ADMM+ and maritime security events at the ASEAN Regional Forum.
• Trilateral Cooperation includes the India-Indonesia-Australia trilateral format, frameworks of the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
• A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) was signed in 2016.

Visit

• A MoU on Health Cooperation, Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance was signed during the Indonesian President's visit, and the bilateral Air Services Agreement was expanded
• Commitment to deepen collaboration in the defense industry by utilizing the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee.
• Discussions took place regarding the White Shipping Information Exchange agreement.
• The earliest holding of Defence Ministers' Dialogue was held.
• Agreement to position an International Liaison Officer from Indonesia within the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean region in Gurugram.
• Agreement to initiate cooperation in Hydrography and Submarine Search and Rescue.
• Renewal of the MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation
• Agreement to expedite the establishment of a Bilateral Maritime Dialogue and Cyber Security Dialogue.
• Establishment of a Track 1.5 dialogue mechanism between think tanks of both countries, and acknowledged the first Track 1.5 dialogue in September 2024.
• Agreement on transfer of sentenced persons.
• Adoption of the Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific from 2018.
• A desire was expressed to renew the MoU on Counter-Terrorism Cooperation.
• An undertaking to expedite the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 was made.
• Discussions are underway regarding QR code based cross-border digital payments.

Indonesia

• Indonesia shares land borders with Timor-Leste, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea
• It has Sea borders to Australia, India, Palau, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Christmas Island
• In Indonesia, there is a presidential system where the president is directly elected and serves as head of state and government
• Indonesia has a multi-party political system
• Indonesia has the world’s 16th-largest economy
• It is the world’s fourth most populous nation
• In 2023 Indonesia regained the upper-middle-income group status classified by the World Bank

Indonesia Exports & Imports

• Indonesia's top exports include coal briquettes, palm oil, ferroalloys, lignite, and petroleum gas, primarily to China, the United States, India, Japan, and Singapore
• Refined petroleum, crude petroleum, integrated circuits, broadcasting equipment, and petroleum gas are among the top imports.

Myanmar Situation

• Myanmar is in a coup led by the Military Junta, detaining civilian leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.
• Protests over the coup sparked public backlash, but the military cracked down, leading to civilians joining resistance forces.
• Ethnic groups have joined resistance forces, escalating the conflict.
• Civil war dynamics encompass widespread public opposition and military responses, creating conflicts among resistance groups
• Before 2011, the country was ruled by the military junta nicknamed, Tatmadaw and then they formed The State Administration Council (SAC) after the 2021 coup
• Displacement and cross-border outflows have increased, especially from Rakhine Province and adjoining areas in India and Bangladesh.

India-Myanmar

• While bilateral trade demonstrates an upward trend, it is impacted by Myanmar's political situation.
• India’s exports to Myanmar dipped to $670.4 million in 2023-24 from $807 million in 2022-23, while imports increased to $1.07 billion from $954.74 million. This has caused a trade deficit with Myanmar.
• Pulses like lentils, tur, and urad are included in India's agricultural imports, while rice, sugarcane, pulses, cotton, and spices are among agricultural exports.
• India's total investment in Myanmar is estimated to exceed US$1.7 billion, as of January 2025.
• A decrease of aid to Myanmar from India has occurred. The revised 2024-25 budget allocated Rs 350 crore for 2025-26, down from Rs 400 crore. Myanmar is a signatory to the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement.
• Ways to promote the bilateral trade got discussed at a February 14, 2025 meeting through the Rupee-Kyat Trade Settlement Mechanism.
• India shares both a land border of over 1643 km and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram share a border with Myanmar, being the only ASEAN country adjoining India.
• The international border between India & Myanmar is formed in part by the Tiau River and the Kaladan River.
• The Arakan Mountains act as a natural border. Common Ethnic Groups include: Naga, Kuki, Chin, Mizo, Chakma, etc
• India’s development assistance to Myanmar totals over US $1.75 billion, mainly in grants.
• The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: India took complete control of Sittwe Port through India Ports Global Ltd. (IPGL) in April 2024.
• The Trilateral Highway Project begins in Moreh (Manipur), runs through Mandalay & Naypyidaw, and ends at Mae Sot in Thailand. Other key cooperation programs include Border Area Development Programmes, and the Restoration of Ananda Temple in Bagan (completed in 2018).
• An agreement for constructing a Modern Integrated Check Post at Tamu in Myanmar was made
• Also, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) was established

India-Myanmar Security

• India-Myanmar Bilateral Army Exercise (IMBAX) is a key partner in ending insurgency in India's northeast.
• Operation Sadbhav provides humanitarian aid to Myanmar, Vietnam & Laos for Typhoon Yagi relief.
• The Free Movement Regime, which came into effect December 2024, has a 10 km limit, allowing movement of individuals with documents and biometric details.
• Common Multilateral Cooperation includes ASEAN, BIMSTEC, Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC), ADMM+, and Myanmar as an observer state of SAARC.
• Varying estimates put 1.5-2.0 million people of Indian origin living and working in various parts of Myanmar.

About Myanmar

• China, Thailand, Singapore, India, Japan, and the European Union (EU) are major trade partners with Singapore, followed by China and Thailand, being the largest investors.
• Parallel mountain chains run from north to south, The Western Yoma or Rakhine Yoma, the Bago Yoma, the Shan Plateau. The highest peak in Southeast Asia, Hkakabo Razi (5,881 m), is found in Myanmar and major Myanmar rivers include the Irrawaddy, Chindwinn, Salween, Sittang, Yangon, and Mu.
• By land, Burma borders Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, and Thailand.

India-Canada

• Agriculture Imports from Canada: In 2023-24, India imported roughly 1.67 million tonnes (mt) of masur, Canada contributed around 46%, as well as roughly 52% Matar.
• India's total equity Investments from Canada have a value of $24 billion as of September 2024, the 9th largest investor in India and based on recent data, India accounts for 3rd highest FPI with 804 registered FPIs.
• India is the most sought-after destination for Canadian pension funds after Australia, with three sectors receiving investment flows -; real estate, financial services & industrial transportation.

India-Canada Trade

• Negotiations have paused on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Indian investments in Canada grew in 2023-24 to $2.1 billion. Important sectors invested are ICT & Telecommunications, Manufacturing & Engineering, Life Sciences, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Financial Services, Food & Retail, and Energy and others.
• A Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) was signed in June 2010.
• A Consular: Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in 1994 (operationalized in 1998) & Extradition Treaty in 1987 exists.
• The G20 & Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment are listed as Common Multilateral Cooperation

Trade

• Agricultural Exports from India: Rice and basmati, spices, marine products & processed fruits.
• Agricultural Imports from Canada: Masur and Matar. As of September 2024, the value of equity investments by Canadian investors stood at $24 billion, making it the 9th largest investor country in India.
• As per SEBI, Canada accounts for 3rd highest FPI investment with 804 registered FPIs.
• India has received $4 billion in foreign direct investments from Canada during April 2000-June 2024. India is the most sought-after destination for Canadian pension funds after Australia. The top three sectors to receive investment flows from Canadian pension funds - real estate, financial services & industrial transportation. Civil Nuclear Cooperation: A Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in June 2010. Energy: Ministerial level Energy Dialogue. Education: MoU on Higher Education (2010) with Canada was renewed in February 2018.

Indian Diaspora

• With nearly 1.8 million Indo-Canadians and another 1 million non-resident Indians, Canada hosts one of the largest Indian Diaspora abroad, more than 3% of its total population.
• Canada, USA are the Major trade partners and USA is the Largest investors
• Canada’s Mountain Ranges are the Rocky Mountains, the Laurentian Mountains, and the Coast Mountains. Canada's highest peak is Mount Logan.
• Major Rivers: Yukon, Columbia, Peace, Mackenzie, Churchill, etc Maritime border with France, Russia, Norway, and Iceland, with the 49th parallel north holding USA-Canada having the longest international border in the world (8,891 km).

Brazil

• The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil arrived in New Delhi in August 2024 for the 9th India-Brazil Joint Commission Meeting.

India-Brazil Relations

• They are multlateral partners in BRICS, BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China), G-20, G-15 and G-4, IBSA (India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum) , and the International Solar Alliance.
• Brazil has decided against joining BRI, the second country after India in the BRICS bloc not to endorse BRI.
• In 2021, India became the 5th largest trading partner of Brazil.
• In 2022, the bilateral trade increased to US$15.2 billion from US$ 7.052 billion in 2020.(India’s exports- US$8.8 billion & Imports — US$6.4 billion).
• Brazil provides USD 98 million worth of agricultural products.
• India provides crude oil, sugar, sugar cane, soy and soybean oil.
• Pharmaceutical products, refined petroleum products, software and technology products are made by India.

Trade with India

• The Country exports USD 36 million worth of cotton to Brazil in 2024.
• Indian investment in Brazil: There is an estimate of more than US$ 6 billion, while Brazilian investments in India are around US$ 1 billion. Brazil -India Investment Cooperation and Facilitation Treaty (ICFT): signed in 2020. Also undergoing are efforts to expand the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
• Brazil has expressed interest in India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, BrahMos and Akash missiles

Brazil Cont

• The country has agreements through its Extradition Treaty, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters and an Agreement of with Transfer of Sentenced Persons in place To add: Both countries cooperate in cyber issues at BRICS and IBSA Brazil has a democracy with a presidential and federal system of government and shares Terrestrial boundaries with nine countries of South America

Geo

• It borders every South American country except Chile and Ecuador
• Major rivers: Amazon, São Francisco, Paraná, Tocantins, with Natural Resources including Iron Ore, Gold, Bauxite, Aluminium, Silver, Oil, and lithium (particularly in the Jequitinhonha Valley).
• The World's economy is the ninth largest in 2023 and Their main exports includes Soybeans, Crude Petroleum, Iron Ore, Raw Sugar and Corn, with many importing from importing mostly from China> United States> Argentina> Netherlands>and Chile Top imports: Refined Petroleum, Crude Petroleum, Motor vehicles, Gas Turbines, and Cars. Main Crops: Coffee, Cocoa, Corn, Cotton, Oranges, Soybean, Sugarcane, Tobacco, and Wheat.

Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka is central to India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Security and growth for all in the region (S.A.G.A.R) vision, including BIMSTEC, SAARC, Colombo Security Conclave,Indian Ocean Rim Association, and Trade and economic cooperation.
• The largest trading partner of India in the SAARC is Sri Lanka
• Merchandise trade reached reached USD 5.5 billion in FY 2023-24
• India’s assistance to Sri Lanka was USD 4 billion, during the economic crisis in 2022. •India is the 1st import origin for Sri Lanka. •India is the 3rd export destination for Sri Lanka. The current island situation is a Democratic Republic and a Unitary State, with its system governed by a semi-presidential system

India - Sri Lanka Agreements

• Agreement with India-Sri Lanka Free Trade in 1998, the first bilateral
• India’s FDI: Approx USD 2.2 billion in 2023
• Annual Defence Dialogue and Bilateral Exercises
• Economic Land Corridor assists land access to Trincomalee
• Four Phases of Housing Projects at 1800 crore
• Is about

Katchatheevu island

• Has boundary, near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu
• India agreed in 1974 to allow Sri Lanka to control
• Sri Lanka lies south with access to fish

Bilateral Relations:

• Is the center for India’s economic, cultural and military relations in the region through economic, security and defense aid
• Economic Land corridor is designed to help Trincomalee Port

Maldives Economic Relations

• The recent and growing focus is India’s maritime dominance and trade partnerships in the region.
• India-Maldives in June 2024, Sri Lanka sealed an agreement with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC), to restructure the debt owed.
• Discussions are underway with India’s Unified Payments Interface to boost Economic ties and tourism
• India is increasing its role, but Maldives needs to ensure no infringement of national integrity

India - Maldives

• Maldives support for its own permanent membership of the UNSC.
• Increased support for economic partnerships with India
• In May The OCC Sri Lanka was formed to simplify Sri Lanka’s debt negotiations following its default
• Maldives President was Ghassan Maumoon in January to deepen bilateral engagement The Maldives also has special status which includes the the “Neighborhood First” policy

Trade Investment

• India is expanding for export of essential commodities to Maldives
• It crosses 500 USD millions in trading In 2023 India is the largest partner through engineering, medicine and agriculture services.

EU

• Founding members as well as the current ones
• One of India’s largest economic partners w/trade agreements and defense partnerships The EU recently mentioned it would not endorse BRI as it poses potential trade disruptions -Is looking at furthering relationships with india because of china, this can boost foreign investment

The EU is comprised of 32 members and 5 members including Switzerland, Norway, & Liechtenstein

• Most are under economic prosperity

Energy and Climate

• The Eu’s top climate goal is to reduce 55% of emissions and gas by 2030, this way It commits to creating net-zero greenhouse emissions.
• It has Single Currency and Market which can facilitate increased Indian relations The The region is also expanding more economic partnerships

Current Engagements

• Has increased defense partnerships through various naval and military exercise
• There are many ongoing trade related agreements
• The European trade relationship is still considered a win-win as well-being for both partners