Major Defense Agreement Between India and Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced a significant defense agreement on Tuesday, allowing Indonesia to purchase Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This deal is one of several established during Modi’s three-day visit to Indonesia, marking the first stop of his tour to Indo-Pacific countries.
The agreement comes shortly after China tested a long-range ballistic missile, and it is expected to strengthen India’s defense exports while enhancing the strategic ties between India and Indonesia. During a press conference at the Merdeka Palace, Prabowo described Modi’s visit as a “historic milestone” for both nations. He emphasized that they discussed expanding collaboration in defense, security, trade, energy, health, education, and cultural exchanges.
“We are both among the largest democracies in the world, and our cooperation will benefit the region,” Prabowo stated.
Modi noted that relations between the two countries have picked up “new energy” in recent years, with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that began in 2018 steadily advancing.
“We are making real progress in various fields like development, security, technology, culture, and education,” Modi remarked.
The BrahMos missiles, produced by BrahMos Aerospace—a collaboration between India’s Defense Research and Development Organization and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya—can be launched from different platforms like land, naval ships, submarines, and aircraft. They travel at speeds nearly three times the speed of sound, making them hard to intercept. Indonesia is now the third foreign buyer of these missiles, following the Philippines and Vietnam, and they are seen as vital for coastal defense and deterring potential naval threats in key areas.
The agreements also included enhanced maritime security cooperation, highlighting both countries’ interests in key shipping routes that connect the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Modi was warmly welcomed upon his arrival in Jakarta, with his plane escorted by fighter jets. He received a welcoming reception from Prabowo at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, signaling Indonesia’s commitment to its relationship with India.
Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, mentioned that Modi would address Indonesia’s Parliament and later interact with the Indian community during his visit. He noted that this trip reflects a growing partnership between two important Asian democracies.
“In today’s geopolitical landscape, stronger ties between the leaders of the Global South are essential to show the world our unity and mutual support,” Chakravorty added.
On Wednesday, Modi plans to visit Yogyakarta, where he may announce a project to restore the Prambanan Hindu temple, a significant cultural site in Indonesia, as part of the ongoing collaborations between the two nations.
Both Indonesia and India are members of the Group of 20 and BRICS, signifying their roles as influential emerging economies. After Indonesia, Modi will travel to Australia to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
