JAKARTA, Indonesia — India and Indonesia signed major defence agreements on Tuesday, including deals for the supply of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta.
The agreements were announced as part of efforts to deepen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was established in 2018. Along with the missile deals, both countries signed a series of agreements covering maritime security, critical minerals, education, digital connectivity, space cooperation and emerging technologies.
Addressing a joint press conference after the talks, Prime Minister Modi said the agreements mark the beginning of a "golden chapter" in bilateral relations.
"Today marks the beginning of a golden chapter in the India-Indonesia partnership. The growing trust between our countries is strengthening our defence, security and maritime cooperation," Modi said.
Indonesia to Receive Astra Mk-1 and BrahMos Missiles
A key outcome of the visit was Indonesia's decision to procure the Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, making it the first foreign customer for the indigenous Indian missile system.
According to officials, Indonesia selected the Astra missile after evaluating its operational performance during India's Operation Sindoor. Under the agreement, the Astra Mk-1 missiles will be integrated with the Indonesian Air Force's Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30MK2 and Su-30SKM fighter aircraft.
India and Indonesia also signed a contract for the supply of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system between BrahMos Aerospace and Indonesia's Ministry of Defense.
With the agreement, Indonesia becomes the third Southeast Asian country to procure the BrahMos missile after the Philippines and Vietnam. India will supply missile batteries intended to strengthen Indonesia's coastal defence and anti-access/area-denial capabilities in key maritime areas.
The defence agreements represent another step in India's effort to expand exports of domestically developed defence systems and strengthen defence-industrial cooperation with partner countries.
Maritime Cooperation Strengthened
The two leaders also finalized a framework on maritime safety and security cooperation.
As maritime neighbours located along important sea routes, India and Indonesia agreed to increase cooperation between their coast guards to enhance security in the Indian Ocean and surrounding waters.
Both sides also agreed to jointly develop the Sabang port, located near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The port is situated about 100 miles from India's Great Nicobar port project and is expected to support maritime connectivity and regional cooperation.
Agreements Beyond Defence
In addition to defence cooperation, the two countries exchanged nearly a dozen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering several sectors.
India announced plans to invest in Indonesia's critical mineral supply chain, including projects related to stainless steel, nickel and rare-earth permanent magnets.
Prime Minister Modi also announced that the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore will establish a campus in Indonesia to serve students from Indonesia and across the ASEAN region.
To improve economic and travel connectivity, both countries agreed to integrate India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Indonesia's digital payment system.
In the space sector, India and Indonesia decided to expand their long-standing cooperation. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will assist Indonesia in the peaceful exploration of outer space and support capacity building for the country's space sector through joint research and cooperation.
The two sides also signed agreements to strengthen collaboration in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, digital public infrastructure and startup development.
Long-Standing Defence Partnership
India and Indonesia established formal defence relations in 1951. The two countries signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2001, which was renewed in 2006. Defence ties were further strengthened during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Indonesia in 2018, when both sides upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation.
Since then, military engagement has expanded through bilateral and multilateral exercises, coordinated maritime patrols, defence dialogues, training exchanges and cooperation between defence industries.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations during the meeting, after which multiple agreements were exchanged in their presence.
PM Modi Receives Indonesia's Highest Civilian Honour
Earlier on Tuesday, President Prabowo Subianto conferred Prime Minister Modi with the Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia's highest civilian honour, in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries.
Accepting the honour, Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and the longstanding historical and cultural ties shared by India and Indonesia.
The Indonesia visit is the first leg of Prime Minister Modi's three-nation Indo-Pacific tour, which will also include visits to Australia and New Zealand. Following the official engagements in Jakarta, the two leaders are scheduled to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta on Wednesday.
Source: ANI
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