Renewing, reimagining links with ASEAN: Former envoy hails PM Modi's Indonesia visit
New Delhi, July 8
Former Envoy Vidya Bhushan Soni on Wednesday lauded the outcomes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-day state visit to Indonesia, highlighting how the visit reinforces India's engagements with ASEAN member states and forges stronger ties across areas such as defence amid a backdrop of growing Chinese hostilities in the region.
Speaking to ANI, he recalled how the shift in India's foreign policy towards the region can be dated to the emergence of the Asian Tigers and that with the MAHASAGAR vision and Act East Policy, India has now expanded its ties with the region.
"Way back in the 90s, there was a shift in India's policy that we should look east under Narasimha Rao. That has paved the way for us in India for the important ASEAN region that emerged as Asian Tigers... Now we have taken the decision to step forward. It's not just look east, but act east-- which means for us, that eastern Pacific region is important from our security point of view, not only for the sea lanes, but also the overbearing presence of China."
He further noted, "China is suddenly hovering all over the region, wants to hobnob wherever they can possibly go. They have even gone to the Pacific nations... So that's why, for us, India, we have to think in terms of forging those, reimagining those links."
Terming the policy of MAHASAGAR vision as "excellent", he said that "freedom of expression, the freedom of movement, which is not really happening because of the overbearing presence of China. So now it is important for us to renew our links with the countries in that region who are the major stakeholders..."
Soni said Indonesia occupies a crucial place in India's strategic calculus because of both historical ties and emerging economic opportunities.
"The visit comes against the backdrop of centuries-old civilisational links. If you visit Bali, you will still find strong Hindu cultural traditions and temples dedicated to Hindu gods. These links now need to be complemented by modern strategic and economic partnerships," he said.
He pointed to defence cooperation as one of the most significant outcomes of the visit, saying Indonesia has shown interest in India's indigenous defence capabilities.
"Indonesia is interested in India's defence industry, particularly the BrahMos missile system and the Astra air-to-air missile. India offers advanced technology at competitive costs, along with opportunities for local production and technology transfer," he said.
The former diplomat also highlighted cooperation in critical minerals, saying Indonesia's reserves of rare earth elements could help India strengthen supply chains for advanced technologies.
"For India, access to rare earth elements is strategically important. These minerals are essential for developing advanced technologies, including superconductors, and Indonesia can become a reliable partner," he said.
Apart from defence, Soni said Indonesia is looking to India for collaboration in healthcare, digital public infrastructure and education.
"They have been impressed by India's digital payment system, which works with remarkable speed. They want India's assistance in developing digital payment infrastructure. India's healthcare model for remote areas and education initiatives, including the proposed expansion of Indian Institutes of Management, also offer immense opportunities for cooperation," he said.
Recalling that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest at India's Republic Day celebrations last year, Soni said the two countries have demonstrated a mutual commitment to elevating bilateral ties.
"We gave importance to Indonesia by inviting its President as the Republic Day Chief Guest, and now Indonesia is reciprocating that warmth. Both countries have something valuable to offer each other. India can provide defence capabilities and digital expertise, while Indonesia can support India's critical mineral requirements," he added.
His remarks come as Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his Indonesia leg of the three-nation visit.
Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi said his 3-day visit to Indonesia from July 6-8 had "opened new avenues for cooperation" across key sectors, including defence, maritime collaboration, artificial intelligence and digital innovation, as he concluded his trip to the Southeast Asian nation.
In a post on X, PM Modi expressed satisfaction over the outcomes of the visit and thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the people of Indonesia for their warm hospitality.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm glad to see the MAHASAGAR vision getting recognition – it's a smart counter to China's string of pearls strategy. But I hope we're not just focusing on defence and minerals. The cultural ties with Indonesia, especially in Bali, are centuries old. Why not promote more tourism and student exchanges? That's how you build real people-to-people links, not just government-to-government ones. Still, a positive step overall.
Great to see Indonesia wanting our digital payment expertise! Just last month I used UPI in Singapore and it worked flawlessly. If we can help ASEAN countries leapfrog into digital finance, that's huge for Indian tech companies too. And critical minerals from Indonesia for our electronics and defence industries – yaar, this is win-win. Modi ji's visit was well-timed with China flexing muscles everywhere.
While I appreciate the strategic focus, I wish there was more emphasis on climate cooperation. Indonesia has massive rainforests and we're both facing extreme weather events. Why not collaborate on renewable energy or disaster management? Also, the article mentions IIM expansion, but please let's not export our education system's flaws. Focus on quality, not just branding. But yes, better ties than ignoring the neighbourhood.
China's overbearing presence is real bhai. Just look at how they've been pressuring ASEAN countries on the South China Sea. India offering BrahMos to Indonesia is a smart move – gives them an alternative to Chinese weapons. And rare earth minerals? That's the future of tech. Good that we're securing supply chains now rather than crying later. Only concern: hope defence deals are transparent and not mired in corruption.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.