Modi’s visit significantly deepens India-Indonesia strategic partnership: The two largest Asian democracies signed 16 agreements covering defense, critical minerals, maritime connectivity, trade, education, health, and culture, with President Prabowo personally hosting Modi. 

Major defense and economic breakthroughs: Indonesia will acquire BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (~US$630 million) and Astra air-to-air missiles; new deals focus on critical minerals, steel joint ventures, and port development linking Sabang (Aceh) with India’s Andaman & Nicobar Islands to enhance maritime security and trade. 

Cultural and symbolic elevation: Indonesia awarded Modi its highest civilian honor (Bantang Adipurna), Modi addressed Parliament and visited Prambanan temple (with India pledging renovation help), and both sides aim to boost bilateral trade from US$23.2 billion toward much higher levels in the coming decade.

India and Indonesia have two thousand years of civilizational links and they are maritime neighbours, close friends and comprehensive strategic partners. Both are Asia’s largest democracies.

In an effort to further strengthen its strategic ties with Indonesia and part of his “Act East” policy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Indonesia from July 6 to 8.

Though it was not his first visit to Indonesia, Modi this time received a grand welcome with more affection, closeness and greater respect in Indonesia. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is a close friend of Modi, personally received Modi at the airport and gave a send-off when Modi was leaving Indonesia.

During Modi’s visit, both Indonesia and India signed 16 bilateral cooperation agreements covering defense, critical minerals, maritime connectivity, digital infrastructure, education, health, culture and other areas.

Among the agreements, two important defense agreements that provide Indonesia with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles, 

The BrahMos procurement represents a major milestone in Indonesia’s long-standing effort to strengthen its coastal defense capabilities.While details of the........

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