During President Prabowo Subianto's recent state visit to India from January 23 to 26, 2025, significant strides were made to bolster economic collaboration between Indonesia and India. A pivotal event was the Indonesia-India CEO Forum, co-chaired by Anindya Novyan Bakrie, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), and Ajay Shriram, Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This forum culminated in the signing of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and investment.
The CEO Forum, held on January 25, 2025, in New Delhi, witnessed the participation of 25 Indonesian CEOs and 75 Indian business leaders. Discussions centered on strengthening cooperation across five key sectors: healthcare, food and agriculture, manufacturing, energy, and technology. Anindya Bakrie emphasized the mutual aspirations of both nations, noting, "India aims to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030, while Indonesia targets the seventh position in the same timeframe." He highlighted the importance of strategic collaboration in navigating technological advancements, geopolitical challenges, and sustainability issues.
A significant outcome of the forum was the signing of six MoUs between Indonesian and Indian enterprises:
- Artificial Intelligence and Digital Talent Development: PT Indosat Tbk entered into agreements with AIon OS India Private Limited to collaborate in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and with Wadhwani Operating Foundation to advance digital talent development.
- Healthcare Collaboration: Mayapada Healthcare Group (PT Sejahteraraya Anugrahjaya Tbk.) partnered with Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited to manage and operate a hospital project in Batam, focusing on digital diagnostics and the enhancement of medical personnel skills.
- Satellite and AI Technology: Nodeflux and XDXLink agreed to collaborate on Low Earth Orbit satellite development, AI applications for disaster management, food security, mining monitoring, and environmental sustainability.
- Vaccine Manufacturing and Technology Transfer: Biotis, an Indonesian vaccine producer, signed an MoU with Biological E of India to facilitate vaccine manufacturing and technology transfer, including the development of the Merah Putih vaccine.
These agreements underscore the deepening economic ties between Indonesia and India, reflecting a shared commitment to leveraging technological advancements and sustainable practices. Anindya Bakrie remarked on the strategic importance of this collaboration, stating, "We live in a smart age, where technology opens many opportunities. However, we also face geopolitical and sustainability challenges. Strategic collaboration between Indonesia and India is crucial for the economic growth of both countries."
The forum also highlighted the potential for significant growth in bilateral trade. Anindya Bakrie projected that trade between Indonesia and India could quadruple within the next decade, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration and the implementation of the agreed-upon initiatives.
In addition to the business agreements, the CEO Forum served as a platform for discussing broader economic strategies and addressing common challenges. The active participation of high-level government officials and industry leaders from both countries underscored the mutual commitment to strengthening the Indonesia-India partnership.
The outcomes of President Prabowo Subianto's visit and the CEO Forum signify a promising trajectory for Indonesia-India relations, with both nations poised to achieve their ambitious economic goals through enhanced cooperation and shared vision.
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