PM Strengthens India's Indo-Pacific Vision With Fresh Call For Regional Unity And Stability
PM reiterates India's Indo-Pacific vision and commitment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reaffirmed India's vision for the Indo-Pacific during an address to the Indonesian Parliament, stressing that the country believes in "development, not expansionism" while calling for stronger cooperation between India and Indonesia to promote democracy, regional stability and a rules-based international order. His remarks came amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific and increasing concerns over maritime security in the region.
Addressing lawmakers, Modi described India and Indonesia as civilisational partners connected by centuries of shared history, culture, trade and maritime engagement. He said the relationship between the two countries extends beyond diplomacy and is rooted in longstanding people-to-people ties. Emphasising the importance of closer collaboration, the Prime Minister said India and Indonesia, as two major democracies and maritime nations, have a shared responsibility to contribute to peace, prosperity and stability across the Indo-Pacific.
"India is a nation that follows the path of development, not expansionism," Modi said during his speech. "India doesn't believe in expansionism but in prosperity. We believe in, together with all, development for all." Although he did not directly mention China, the remarks were widely interpreted as a reaffirmation of India's consistent position on respecting national sovereignty, resolving disputes peacefully and ensuring a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.
Also Read: PM Modi Links India-Indonesia Relations To Shared Ramayana And Mahabharata Heritage
The Prime Minister said cooperation between India and Indonesia could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific. Highlighting the democratic values shared by both countries, he said their partnership demonstrates that democratic systems foster trust, opportunity and sustainable growth. "When India and Indonesia stand together, they strengthen the world's faith that democracy creates opportunities and trust," Modi said, underscoring the strategic importance of bilateral ties in an evolving global order.
India and Indonesia have steadily expanded cooperation in recent years across defence, maritime security, trade, connectivity and economic development. Both countries have also worked together through regional platforms such as ASEAN, the East Asia Summit and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative to promote regional cooperation and safeguard freedom of navigation. Their strategic partnership has gained greater significance as geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific.
Modi's address reinforced India's commitment to a peaceful and inclusive regional architecture based on international law, mutual respect and cooperation. His emphasis on development over expansionism aligns with New Delhi's broader foreign policy approach of strengthening partnerships with like-minded countries while supporting a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The speech also highlighted the growing strategic convergence between India and Indonesia as both nations seek to enhance cooperation in addressing regional and global challenges.
Also Read: India, Indonesia to Sign MoU on EVM Export During PM Modi Visit
