Indo-Pacific – PM Modi Begins Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand Visit
Indo-Pacific – Prime Minister Narendra Modi left on Monday for a visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, outlining plans to expand India’s strategic, economic and cultural engagement across the Indo-Pacific region. The trip is scheduled to include meetings with senior leaders, discussions on trade and security, and interactions with members of the Indian diaspora.
Indonesia Visit Focuses on Strategic and Cultural Partnership
Modi will be in Indonesia from July 6 to July 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. The visit marks his first bilateral trip to Indonesia since the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his earlier visit in 2018.
In his departure remarks, the Prime Minister said India and Indonesia have long-standing civilisational links and strong people-to-people connections. He said the visit would help advance cooperation across several areas of mutual interest and reinforce the broader partnership between the two countries.
The trip follows President Prabowo’s visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025. Modi is also expected to meet members of the Indian community in Indonesia during the visit.
Prambanan Temple Visit Highlights Shared Heritage
A key part of the Indonesia itinerary will be a visit to the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta with President Prabowo. The historic temple site is expected to underline the cultural links that have shaped relations between India and Indonesia over centuries.
The Prime Minister said the visit to the temple complex would reflect the shared heritage and cultural ties between the two countries. India and Indonesia have continued to promote cooperation in culture, tourism, education and heritage preservation alongside their strategic engagement.
Australia Talks to Cover Security, Trade and Technology
After Indonesia, Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The visit is expected to focus on strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The two leaders are likely to discuss defence cooperation, regional security, trade, investment, education, mobility and wider people-to-people exchanges. India and Australia have increased their cooperation in recent years through bilateral initiatives and regional platforms linked to the Indo-Pacific.
Modi said the visit would also create an opportunity to expand cooperation in emerging and critical technologies. Sports and sports science are also expected to feature in discussions, reflecting growing interest in broader institutional collaboration between the two countries.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet members of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, describing the community as an important contributor to relations between India and Australia.
New Zealand Leg to Build on Recent Bilateral Engagement
From Australia, Modi will travel to Auckland at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The visit comes after Luxon’s trip to India in March 2025, which helped build momentum in bilateral discussions.
Modi said his talks with Luxon would focus on ways to expand economic, trade and commercial engagement. India and New Zealand have also committed to strengthening trade relations following the signing of a Free Trade Agreement.
The Prime Minister is expected to address members of the Indian community in New Zealand. He said the diaspora has played an important role in deepening ties between the two countries and has contributed across a range of professional and social fields.
Tour Linked to India’s Wider Indo-Pacific Approach
Modi said the sequence of visits reflects India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision, while also supporting its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand are viewed as important partners in India’s engagement with the eastern and southern Indian Ocean region.
The visit is expected to combine diplomatic outreach with discussions on trade, security, technology and cultural cooperation, as India seeks to strengthen its partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.