BrahMos – India and Indonesia Deepen Strategic Partnership Across Key Sectors
BrahMos – India and Indonesia have announced a wider strategic partnership covering defence, maritime security, critical minerals, technology, digital payments and economic cooperation after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Tuesday. The discussions resulted in several agreements intended to strengthen cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific partners.
BrahMos missile deal strengthens defence engagement
Indonesia is set to acquire BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India as part of the growing defence relationship. The two sides also agreed to increase defence exchanges, industrial cooperation and coordination on disaster management.
Indonesia is also expected to import India’s Astra air-to-air missiles, according to information available after the talks. The planned procurement reflects Jakarta’s interest in expanding defence ties with New Delhi and diversifying its military equipment sources.
Agreements cover minerals, food security and healthcare
Nearly a dozen agreements were signed during the visit, covering sectors such as critical minerals, food security, healthcare, technology, maritime cooperation and disaster response. The initiatives are expected to create new opportunities for government agencies, businesses and research institutions in both countries.
India plans to invest in steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnet production in Indonesia. The move is aimed at building more reliable supply chains for minerals that are important for manufacturing, clean energy technologies and defence-related industries.
Indonesia has substantial reserves of nickel and other minerals used in electric vehicles, electronics and renewable energy systems. The cooperation could help India secure access to key raw materials while supporting Indonesia’s efforts to expand domestic processing capacity.
Sabang port project gains strategic importance
The two countries also agreed to jointly develop the Sabang port, located near the Strait of Malacca. The port is strategically placed close to one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes and is situated roughly 100 miles from India’s proposed Great Nicobar port project.
Both governments said they would strengthen cooperation in the blue economy, port development and maritime trade. The focus will include improving connectivity, supporting shipping activity and increasing coordination on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Modi said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership created by India and Indonesia in 2018 was entering a new phase. He said cooperation was advancing across development, security, technology, culture and education.
Digital payments and education links also announced
Modi announced that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will establish a campus in Indonesia. The initiative is expected to deepen academic links and offer greater opportunities for students and professionals in the region.
He also said India’s Unified Payments Interface, or UPI, would be integrated with Indonesia’s payment system. The planned digital payments connection is expected to make cross-border transactions easier for businesses, tourists and travellers between the two countries.
Leaders discuss regional developments and diplomacy
The two leaders also discussed regional and international issues, including developments in West Asia. Modi said dialogue and diplomacy were increasingly important at a time of global uncertainty.
India reiterated its support for a Two-State Solution for Palestine and long-term peace in the region. The discussions highlighted the shared interest of both countries in regional stability, open sea lanes and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday as part of a three-nation tour focused on trade, security and strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific. The visit underlined India’s effort to expand its partnership with Indonesia, a major regional power and an important maritime neighbour.