India, Indonesia Eye Deeper Strategic Partnership During PM Modi’s Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Indonesia is expected to pave the way for a series of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding cooperation in defence, technology, critical minerals and maritime connectivity. The discussions are focused on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between New Delhi and Jakarta while enhancing collaboration across sectors of mutual interest.
India To Assist Indonesia In Developing Indigenous Voting Technology
One of the key areas of cooperation is expected to be electoral technology. According to sources, India will extend technical support to help Indonesia develop electronic voting machines (EVMs) tailored to its own electoral requirements.
The initiative is expected to strengthen institutional cooperation and enable the sharing of India’s expertise in election management systems.
Defence Partnership Set To Expand
Defence remains a major pillar of bilateral engagement. Indonesia is expected to procure India’s indigenously developed Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, reflecting growing confidence in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The proposed acquisition follows the reported performance of Indian missile systems during Operation Sindoor, further reinforcing defence ties between the two countries.
BrahMos Cooperation Likely To Grow
India and Indonesia are also expected to deepen cooperation on the BrahMos missile programme. Sources indicate that additional coastal defence systems could be supplied to Indonesia, strengthening its maritime security architecture and enhancing strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
The move would further expand defence collaboration between the two strategic partners.
Critical Minerals And Manufacturing In Focus
Economic cooperation is also expected to receive a significant push. India plans to invest in projects involving steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing in Indonesia.
The initiative is aimed at building resilient supply chains for critical minerals while supporting industrial growth and reducing dependence on external sources for strategically important resources.
Sabang Port Development To Enhance Maritime Connectivity
The two countries are also expected to accelerate the development of Sabang Port, located near the strategically important Strait of Malacca. The port’s proximity to India’s Great Nicobar infrastructure project makes it an important component of regional maritime connectivity and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
Officials believe the project will strengthen trade links, improve logistics and reinforce strategic collaboration in the region.
Modi Holds Talks With President Prabowo Subianto
Earlier during the visit, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome at Jakarta’s Istana Merdeka before holding delegation-level talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The leaders reviewed the progress of the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to expand cooperation across defence, trade, technology, connectivity and regional security, reaffirming their shared commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
