APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 18/07/2026

Model answer

Model Answer

Introduction (30–40 words)

India and Indonesia, linked by centuries of civilizational and maritime ties, have elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2018). Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit has reinforced cooperation in maritime security, defence, critical minerals and connectivity, strengthening India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.

Body

1. Strategic Significance of India–Indonesia Relations

A. Maritime Security

• Shared commitment to a Free, Open and Inclusive Indo-Pacific.
• Cooperation between Coast Guards for maritime safety.
• Enhances Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
• Supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision.

B. Geostrategic Importance

• Indonesia controls access through the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest sea lanes.
• Ensures uninterrupted global energy and trade flows.
• Strengthens India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific amidst evolving geopolitical competition.

C. Defence Cooperation

• Collaboration on BrahMos missile systems.
• Expansion of defence industrial cooperation.
• Joint military exercises and capacity building.

D. Economic Cooperation

• Indonesia is India’s largest trading partner in ASEAN.
• Review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) can boost bilateral trade.
• Cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths supports India’s EV, semiconductor and renewable energy sectors.

E. Science, Technology and Human Development

• Cooperation in:
  • Space technology
  • Telecommunications
  • Disaster management
  • Agriculture and food security
  • Health workforce development
  • Educational exchanges

2. Importance for Northeast India

Economic Integration

• Greater access to ASEAN markets.
• Increased exports of tea, bamboo, handicrafts and agricultural products.

Connectivity

• Strengthening multimodal transport through:
  • India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway
  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project
  • Andaman–Aceh maritime connectivity

Investment

• Improved logistics can attract manufacturing and industrial investment.

Tourism

• Expansion of eco-tourism, Buddhist tourism and cultural exchanges.

Employment Generation

• Growth in logistics, hospitality, trade and transport sectors.

3. Challenges

• Delay in cross-border connectivity projects.
• Political instability in Myanmar affecting land connectivity.
• Strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.
• Infrastructure bottlenecks in the Northeast.
• Trade barriers and regulatory constraints.

4. Way Forward

• Accelerate completion of connectivity projects under the Act East Policy.
• Operationalise Andaman–Aceh maritime connectivity.
• Strengthen cooperation in critical minerals and resilient supply chains.
• Improve border infrastructure and logistics in Northeast India.
• Promote greater academic, cultural and business exchanges between India and Indonesia.

Conclusion (30–40 words)

India–Indonesia relations have evolved beyond traditional diplomacy into a multidimensional strategic partnership. By deepening maritime cooperation, economic integration and regional connectivity, the partnership can strengthen India’s Indo-Pacific role while transforming Northeast India into a dynamic gateway to Southeast Asia, thereby advancing the objectives of the Act East Policy and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.