Positive Momentum for India-Indonesia Defence Ties as Officials Visit India Pavilion at Indo Defence Expo

In a promising step toward strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, senior Indonesian defence officials visited the India Pavilion and DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) stall at the ongoing Indo Defence 2025 Expo in Jakarta. The enthusiastic engagement is seen as a strong endorsement of India’s growing stature in defence manufacturing and its expanding strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific region.

The India Pavilion, spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence and coordinated by DRDO and other Indian defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs), has attracted wide interest from global stakeholders. The visit by Indonesian officials adds to the positive sentiment around India’s “Make in India” initiative and the increasing demand for indigenous Indian defence technologies in Southeast Asia.

Strategic Significance of the India Pavilion

The India Pavilion is one of the central attractions at this year’s Indo Defence Expo, a biennial event held in Jakarta that brings together leading global defence manufacturers, military officials, and strategic thinkers. At the heart of India’s exhibition is a range of indigenous innovations developed by DRDO, showcasing the nation’s ability to design, develop, and manufacture advanced defence systems.

From missile technology and electronic warfare systems to unmanned aerial vehicles and naval solutions, the India Pavilion is a testimony to India’s capability and commitment to self-reliance in defence.

The Indonesian delegation expressed admiration for the advancements India has made in defence research and development. Their visit included detailed briefings and demonstrations at the DRDO stall, highlighting collaborative opportunities in defence technology transfers, joint development, and military training.

Indo-Indonesia Defence Engagement on the Rise

This engagement at the India Pavilion comes at a time when India and Indonesia are actively seeking to enhance cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Both countries share maritime interests, regional security concerns, and a mutual desire to maintain freedom of navigation and uphold rules-based international order.

India’s participation in the Indo Defence 2025 is seen not only as a business opportunity but also as a strategic move to deepen ties with ASEAN nations, especially Indonesia, a key maritime partner in the region.

DRDO Takes Centre Stage

The DRDO’s presence within the India Pavilion reflects the organization’s pivotal role in shaping India’s defence narrative. On display were several innovative technologies, including smart munitions, secure communications systems, and underwater surveillance tools, which caught the attention of the Indonesian delegation.

These technologies align with Indonesia’s modernisation agenda and its pursuit of advanced systems to strengthen its national security and maritime capabilities. The engagement with DRDO further underlines the possibilities of technical collaboration and knowledge sharing.

A Boost for India’s Defence Diplomacy

The positive response to the India Pavilion not only boosts India’s image as a defence manufacturing hub but also underscores the effectiveness of defence diplomacy in fostering strategic partnerships.

Indian officials accompanying the delegation noted that such platforms provide an essential opportunity to showcase not just hardware, but also policy frameworks that promote peace, stability, and self-reliance in regional security.

The growing interest in the India Pavilion at Jakarta also aligns with India’s broader strategic ambitions under the Act East Policy and the vision for Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Conclusion

The visit by Indonesian defence officials to the India Pavilion and DRDO stall at the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition is a powerful indicator of mutual respect and interest in deepening defence ties. It highlights India’s capability to contribute significantly to regional peace, technological advancement, and strategic balance.

This momentum will likely pave the way for future collaborations, joint military exercises, and the potential signing of new defence agreements. As India continues to make strides in indigenous defence development, platforms like the Indo Defence Expo serve as a springboard for greater global integration.