Indonesia Vs India: The Untold Story Of A Near Conflict

The relationship between Indonesia and India is generally seen as one of cooperation and mutual respect. Both nations, as large democracies in Asia, have historically shared cultural ties and strategic interests. However, few know that there was a period where relations were strained to the brink, almost leading to a military conflict. This is the untold story of when Indonesia almost attacked India, a situation arising from complex political dynamics, historical grievances, and the ever-shifting sands of international relations during the Cold War era.

Historical Context: Sukarno's Indonesia

To understand how Indonesia almost attacked India, we need to delve into the historical context of the time. In the 1960s, Indonesia was under the leadership of President Sukarno, a charismatic and fiery leader known for his anti-imperialist stance and his ambition to position Indonesia as a major player on the world stage. Sukarno's foreign policy, often described as "confrontation," aimed to challenge what he saw as neo-colonial forces and to assert Indonesia's dominance in Southeast Asia. This ambition brought Indonesia into conflict with several nations, including Malaysia, in what became known as the Konfrontasi. Sukarno's government was supported by the communist block and was growing closer and closer to China.

Sukarno's domestic policies were also characterized by increasing authoritarianism and economic mismanagement. Despite his popularity among many Indonesians, his government faced growing internal dissent and economic instability. This internal pressure, combined with his ambitious foreign policy goals, created a volatile mix that would eventually bring Indonesia to the brink of conflict with India.

Sukarno's confrontational approach extended beyond regional disputes. He sought to challenge Western powers and align Indonesia with other developing nations in the Non-Aligned Movement. This movement, which aimed to provide an alternative to the US-led and Soviet-led blocs during the Cold War, allowed Sukarno to forge alliances with leaders who shared his anti-imperialist views, further emboldening his policies.

The Flashpoint: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The primary catalyst for the near conflict was the issue of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, are an Indian territory but lie geographically closer to Indonesia. During the 1960s, as India was still recovering from the Sino-Indian War of 1962, Indonesia saw an opportunity to assert its influence in the region. Sukarno believed that India was weakened and vulnerable, making it an opportune time to challenge its control over the islands.

Indonesia's interest in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was not solely strategic. Sukarno also played on historical claims and the ethnic ties between some of the islands' inhabitants and the people of Sumatra. He argued that Indonesia had a legitimate claim to the islands, stoking nationalist sentiments and creating a pretext for potential military action. This combination of strategic calculation and historical revisionism brought Indonesia and India to the brink of war.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, though seemingly remote, held significant strategic value. Control over these islands would have allowed Indonesia to dominate vital sea lanes in the Bay of Bengal, giving it considerable leverage in regional trade and security. Sukarno's ambition to control these islands was a direct challenge to India's sovereignty and its strategic interests in the region.

Indonesian Military Buildup

Under Sukarno's leadership, Indonesia underwent a significant military buildup, acquiring advanced weaponry from the Soviet Union and other communist countries. This military modernization was intended to support Sukarno's confrontational foreign policy and to project Indonesia's power throughout Southeast Asia. The Indonesian military, equipped with modern aircraft, naval vessels, and ground forces, posed a credible threat to its neighbors, including India.

The Indonesian Navy, in particular, was significantly strengthened during this period. Sukarno invested heavily in warships and submarines, transforming the Indonesian Navy into a formidable force in the region. This naval buildup was a clear signal of Indonesia's intent to assert its control over the seas surrounding its archipelago, including the waters near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Indonesia's military buildup was not just about acquiring hardware; it also involved strengthening its military alliances and conducting joint exercises with other nations. These activities were designed to enhance Indonesia's military capabilities and to send a message to its rivals that it was prepared to defend its interests through force if necessary. The modernization included advanced soviet submarines. India also had submarines, but they were antiquated.

India's Response and Deterrence

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, took Indonesia's threats seriously. Despite the recent war with China, India was determined to defend its territorial integrity and to deter any potential aggression from Indonesia. India's response involved a combination of diplomatic efforts and military preparations. Shastri's government worked to rally international support for India's position and to isolate Indonesia diplomatically. At the same time, India strengthened its military presence in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, deploying additional troops and naval assets to deter any Indonesian attack.

India's naval posture in the Bay of Bengal was significantly enhanced, with warships and submarines patrolling the waters around the islands. The Indian Air Force also increased its surveillance flights over the region, providing early warning of any potential Indonesian military movements. This show of force demonstrated India's resolve to defend its territory and to deter any Indonesian aggression.

India's deterrence strategy also involved signaling its willingness to use force if necessary. Shastri's government made it clear that any attack on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands would be considered an act of war and would be met with a strong response. This firm stance, combined with India's military preparations, played a crucial role in deterring Indonesia from launching a full-scale attack.

The Role of Diplomacy and International Pressure

While military preparations were essential, diplomacy played a crucial role in de-escalating the crisis. Several nations, including the United States and the Soviet Union, expressed concern over the growing tensions between Indonesia and India and urged both sides to resolve their differences through peaceful means. The United Nations also played a role, offering its good offices to mediate between the two countries.

These diplomatic efforts helped to create an environment in which both Indonesia and India could step back from the brink of war. Sukarno, facing increasing international pressure and internal challenges, began to moderate his stance. India, while remaining firm in its resolve to defend its territory, also signaled its willingness to engage in dialogue with Indonesia.

International pressure was particularly effective in restraining Sukarno's aggressive policies. The threat of economic sanctions and the potential loss of international support forced Sukarno to reconsider his options and to seek a diplomatic solution to the crisis. This demonstrated the importance of international norms and institutions in preventing conflicts between nations.

The Thawing of Relations and Sukarno's Downfall

Ultimately, the crisis subsided without a direct military confrontation. Several factors contributed to the thawing of relations between Indonesia and India. Sukarno's domestic political position weakened significantly in the mid-1960s, culminating in his ouster in 1967. The new Indonesian government, under President Suharto, adopted a more pragmatic and less confrontational foreign policy. This shift in leadership paved the way for a normalization of relations with India and other neighboring countries.

Under Suharto, Indonesia focused on economic development and regional cooperation, rather than pursuing ambitious territorial claims. This new approach allowed Indonesia to rebuild its relationship with India on a foundation of mutual respect and shared interests. The two nations gradually increased their economic and cultural ties, fostering a stronger and more cooperative relationship.

Sukarno's downfall marked a turning point in Indonesian foreign policy. The shift from confrontation to cooperation not only improved relations with India but also paved the way for Indonesia to play a more constructive role in regional affairs. This transition demonstrated the importance of leadership in shaping a nation's foreign policy and its relations with other countries.

Lessons Learned and Contemporary Relevance

The near conflict between Indonesia and India offers valuable lessons for contemporary international relations. It highlights the dangers of nationalism, the importance of deterrence, and the role of diplomacy in preventing wars. It also underscores the significance of leadership in shaping a nation's foreign policy and its relations with other countries.

Today, Indonesia and India enjoy a strong and cooperative relationship. Both nations are key players in regional and global affairs, working together on issues ranging from trade and investment to counter-terrorism and climate change. The memory of the near conflict serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining open channels of communication and resolving disputes through peaceful means.

The lessons learned from this historical episode remain relevant in today's world, where tensions and conflicts continue to arise between nations. By understanding the factors that led to the near conflict between Indonesia and India, we can better navigate the complexities of international relations and work towards a more peaceful and cooperative world.

Conclusion

The story of when Indonesia almost attacked India is a fascinating and largely unknown chapter in the history of both nations. It serves as a reminder of the complex and often unpredictable nature of international relations. While the crisis was ultimately averted, it underscores the importance of diplomacy, deterrence, and strong leadership in preventing conflicts and promoting peace. The current strong relationship between Indonesia and India stands as a testament to the power of cooperation and mutual respect in overcoming past tensions and building a brighter future. This historical event is a critical case study of how tensions can escalate and how they can be managed to avoid conflict, providing valuable insights for policymakers and scholars alike.