PM Modi holds meeting with Indonesian President, defence, trade top agenda

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta, focusing on enhancing defense and trade relations. The meeting marked a significant step in deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between the two nations in 2018.

Modi, accompanied by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, received a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival. This visit, from July 6 to 8, is at the personal invitation of President Prabowo and signifies the first bilateral engagement since the countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership. The agenda prioritizes bilateral defense and maritime coordination, reflecting growing security ties.

Security relations between India and Indonesia have strengthened considerably in recent years, evidenced by frequent high-level exchanges, joint military exercises, and defense industry collaborations. Indonesia's acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India is a notable example of this deepening cooperation. India's MAHASAGAR framework, aimed at promoting maritime security and development, also aligns with these shared objectives.

Prime Minister Modi stated that his visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand is intended to further bolster India's Act East Policy and its vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The engagements are expected to expand cooperation across strategic, economic, and people-centric domains. During his stay, Modi is also scheduled to interact with the local Indian diaspora and accompany President Prabowo to the historic Prambanan Temple Complex.

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My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.