Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday in Jakarta to discuss ways to strengthen strategic ties between the two nations. The discussions focused on defense and security, trade and investment, food and energy security, critical minerals, and capacity building in sectors like health and education. Eight agreements and several memorandums of understanding were expected to be announced during the three-day visit.
Modi's arrival in Indonesia on Monday afternoon marked the first stop of his overseas visit to Indo-Pacific nations. He received a formal welcome, with his plane escorted by fighter jets and greeted on the tarmac by Prabowo, signaling the importance Jakarta places on its relationship with New Delhi. Both Indonesia and India are members of the Group of 20 major developing countries and BRICS.
Defense cooperation was a prominent topic, with Indonesia having expressed interest in acquiring India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. Discussions on this potential procurement have reportedly reached an advanced stage. Broader maritime security cooperation was also on the agenda, given the shared strategic interests of both countries along key shipping routes connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans.
Beyond defense, the leaders were expected to witness the planned launch of the Indonesia Open Network, a digital commerce platform modeled after India's digital public infrastructure. Modi was also scheduled to address members of Indonesia's Parliament.
This visit marks Modi's second trip to Indonesia as prime minister, following his 2018 visit. Prabowo previously attended India’s Republic Day celebrations as chief guest last year. The strengthening of ties between these two Global South leaders is seen as a strategic message to the world, emphasizing solidarity and mutual strength in the current geopolitical context.
Following his engagements in Indonesia, Modi was scheduled to travel to Australia on Wednesday. The Indonesian Foreign Minister, Sugiono, noted that Modi might also visit Yogyakarta, where an Indian-supported restoration project at the Hindu temple of Prambanan could be announced. This project follows an agreement made during Prabowo's prior visit to India.