India and Indonesia have recently concluded a joint feasibility study on the development of the Sabang port, situated in the province of Aceh, Indonesia. This collaboration holds significant strategic value for both countries and aims to enhance maritime connectivity and bolster India’s military position in the Indian Ocean. Sabang port is approximately 700 km away from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Its geographical position grants India easier access to the Malacca Straits, which serves as a vital maritime trading route.The straits facilitate a substantial chunk of global trade, including China’s energy imports.
Thus, the development of the Sabang port holds immense potential for India’s economic and military interests. By establishing a strong presence in Sabang, India can enhance its maritime trade connectivity and gain better access to the vital Malacca Straits.This would significantly benefit India’s trade relations with Southeast Asian countries and beyond. Infrastructure development is a key aspect of the India-Indonesia partnership, as emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo during their joint statements earlier.
New Delhi and Jakarta also created the India-Indonesia Infrastructure Forum (IIIF) in 2018 to foster links between the private sector in both countries. A second edition of the forum was held in 2019.