India and Indonesia Strengthen Defence Cooperation at 11th Army Staff Talks in Bali
The 11th India–Indonesia Army Staff Talks have concluded in Bali, strengthening the defense partnership between the two countries. Held from July 8 to 10, these discussions brought together senior military officials who reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing regional peace, improving joint operational capabilities, and pursuing shared strategic interests.
The talks centered on expanding both bilateral and multilateral military cooperation. Key topics included joint training in jungle and mountain warfare, where both armies have extensive operational experience. Additionally, discussions were held on increasing exchanges in counter-intelligence, particularly in psychological operations aimed at combating misinformation and addressing evolving regional security threats.
This strengthened cooperation is built on a foundation that includes India's humanitarian aid following the destructive Palu tsunami in 2018. With both nations addressing hybrid threats and non-traditional security challenges, India's growing expertise in psychological operations, as highlighted by a 2023 RAND Corporation study, was identified as a potential area for collaboration to counter disinformation in the region.
The two countries also explored technical cooperation opportunities, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of military platforms. This aligns with Indonesia's ongoing military modernization, with India offering systems like 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 represents a significant advancement in India–Indonesia strategic alignment, underscoring their mutual aim to ensure a secure, stable, and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
