In modern times, Indonesia-India relations were marked by great warmth in the first decade or so after both became independent countries. Indonesians recognize the role played by India under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership in ensuring the success of Indonesia's struggle against the Dutch effort to revive colonial rule between 1945 and 1949. There is some nostalgia in both countries about the special relationship, which existed in the fifties between the charismatic leaders of the two countries: Nehru and Soekarno.

 

Soon after Indonesia and India emergence as independent nations, both countries worked together to spread the message of freedom among all oppressed peoples of the world as co-sponsors of the Bandung Conference of 1955. Together Indonesia and India served as pillars of the Non-Aligned Movement, which helped bring about the demise colonialism. On the basis of their similar world views, both countries built an enduring friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation.

 

Signifying their ancient cultural relations, the two countries signed a Cultural Agreement as early as 1955, which has acted as the central guideline for bilateral cultural interaction. The cultural agreement has been updated regularly through the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), which has facilitated inter-institutional linkages and collaborative research programmes between the two countries. Much of the cultural activities are either sponsored or undertaken by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), which oversees India's cultural relations with other countries.

 

Periodic discussions have taken place at the Ministerial and official levels to strengthen economic and commercial ties within the framework of this agreement. JBC/business level meetings have also been convened periodically, particularly in conjunction with high level visits. A bilateral Agreement on Avoidance of Double Taxation between two countries was concluded in January, 1986. An Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments signed in February, 1999, had came into force in January 2004. The first ever India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held in Yogyakarta in September, 2003. Since then, the JCM is convened annually. Indonesia and India signed a Bilateral Agreement on Cooperative Activities in the Field of Defence in 2001. In July 2004, Indonesia and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Combating International Terrorism, which provided for the formation of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism.

 

Since the Exchange visits of both countries' leaders, PM Manmohan Singh visited Indonesia in April, 2005 and H.E President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono paid a state visit to India in November, 2005. President Yudhoyono's visit in 2005, brought a new milestone to Indonesia and India relations. The visit has indeed strengthened the commitment of both countries in maintaining as well as boosting the friendship and cooperation that have been ongoing for more than five decades between the two countries.

 

A Joint Declaration to establish the New Strategic Partnership between Indonesia and India was signed by President Yudhoyono and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Based on the determination to build on the common historic legacy of their nations and to enhance bilateral relations to a higher level, the two leaders decided to establish a New Strategic Partnership between their countries in keeping with contemporary realities.

 

This partnership provided a solid foundation of shared values and commitment to democratic pluralism and the rule of law and to genuine multilateralism affairs, would impart stronger economic and socio-political dimensions of Indonesia-India relations. Both countries would address the long term interests, enhance all-round cooperation and contribute to regional and global peace and stability. The Partnership also calls for both the countries to adapt and elevate their relations to take on present and future challenges.