NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI/JAKARTA, JULY 7
India on Tuesday elevated its strategic footprint in the Indo-Pacific with one of its most consequential diplomatic and defence breakthroughs in recent years, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s State Visit to Indonesia culminated in Indonesia agreeing to procure BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, alongside the signing of 14 far-reaching agreements spanning defence, critical minerals, maritime security, education, digital connectivity, outer space and advanced technology.
Melihat ke depan, kami sepakat bahwa kedua bangsa kita harus bekerja sama secara erat di berbagai bidang seperti antariksa, telekomunikasi, kecerdasan buatan, Infrastruktur Publik Digital, serta teknologi digital terbarukan lainnya. pic.twitter.com/r7DXJQxnBw
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2026
The visit marked a defining moment in the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, transforming the relationship from a traditional maritime partnership into a multidimensional strategic alliance built on defence capability, resilient supply chains and regional stability.
- Historic defence breakthrough sees Indonesia join the growing club of BrahMos missile partners as 14 landmark agreements reshape India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
- From strategic weapons to critical minerals, rare earths, maritime security and digital payments, New Delhi and Jakarta script a transformative Indo-Pacific partnership
- IIM Bangalore’s first overseas campus in Indonesia, Sabang Port collaboration and space cooperation deepen India’s soft and strategic power in ASEAN
- Two defence export deals worth over US$600 million reinforce India’s emergence as a trusted global defence manufacturing hub after Operation Sindoor
- UPI integration, resilient supply chains and blue economy initiatives signal a new era of economic connectivity between the two maritime democracies
The centrepiece was Indonesia’s decision to acquire the BrahMos and Astra missile systems—two indigenous weapon platforms that proved their operational effectiveness during Operation Sindoor. Estimated to be worth over US$600 million, the agreements further cement India’s emergence as a credible global exporter of advanced defence systems, following similar BrahMos partnerships with the Philippines and Vietnam.
Addressing the media after delegation-level talks with President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Modi declared:
“Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is reaching new heights today. We are making significant strides across development, security, technology, culture and education.”
Calling the visit the beginning of a transformative phase, he added: “I am confident that today marks the beginning of a golden new chapter in the India-Indonesia partnership, one that will have a profound and positive impact on the world of the 21st century.”
Beyond defence, both countries unveiled an ambitious roadmap to strengthen critical mineral and steel supply chains, with Indian companies investing in Indonesia’s nickel, stainless steel and rare-earth magnet manufacturing, sectors considered vital for electric mobility, renewable energy and next-generation technologies.
“Supply chain resilience has become critically important. We have concluded an important agreement to strengthen cooperation in critical minerals and steel,” Modi said.
Reflecting growing convergence in the Indo-Pacific, India and Indonesia agreed to intensify cooperation in maritime security, disaster management, blue economy, port development and maritime trade. Indonesia will also station a Liaison Officer at India’s Integrated Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR), strengthening real-time maritime cooperation.
The two leaders also endorsed joint development of the strategically located Sabang Port, overlooking the Strait of Malacca, further enhancing maritime connectivity and regional logistics.
In another landmark announcement, Prime Minister Modi revealed that Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will establish its first overseas campus at the Singhasari Special Economic Zone in Malang, Indonesia, positioning India as a global provider of high-quality management education and strengthening educational ties across the ASEAN region.
Digital connectivity also received a major boost, with both nations agreeing to integrate India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Indonesia’s payment ecosystem, promising seamless business transactions and greater convenience for travellers.
Recognising the importance of innovation-led growth, the two countries signed agreements to expand collaboration in space research, technology sharing and capacity building, while also enhancing cooperation in pharmaceuticals, food security, telecommunications, research and innovation.
Reaffirming India’s vision for a peaceful Indo-Pacific, Modi stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy amid global uncertainties.
“In this period of global turbulence, India believes that the role of dialogue and diplomacy has become more important than ever before.”
He reiterated India’s consistent support for a two-state solution to the Palestine issue and lasting peace in West Asia.
The leaders also unveiled plans to celebrate the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore’s historic visit to Indonesia as the Tagore-Dewantara Year of Cultural and Educational Diplomacy, highlighting the enduring civilisational bonds between the two nations.
From strategic defence exports and maritime security to education, technology and resilient supply chains, the visit has positioned India and Indonesia to jointly shape the evolving Indo-Pacific architecture. More significantly, it showcased India’s growing ability to combine military capability, economic partnerships and cultural diplomacy into a coherent foreign policy framework—reinforcing its stature as a trusted strategic partner and an emerging global power.
