PM Modi Calls India-Indonesia Partnership a 'Golden Chapter'; 20 Agreements Signed, BrahMos Deal Boosts Strategic Ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described India-Indonesia relations as entering a "golden chapter" while addressing the Indonesian Parliament during his official visit to the Southeast Asian nation. Speaking in the presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and senior lawmakers, Modi said the two countries have emerged as strong partners in advancing the interests of the Global South and strengthening regional cooperation.

Thanking Indonesia for its warm hospitality, the Prime Minister said, "Be it Indonesia's G20 Presidency in 2022 or India's G20 Presidency in 2023, both sought to bring the priorities of the Global South to the centre of the global agenda. In the coming times as well, India and Indonesia will continue working together in this direction."

Emphasising closer collaboration in regional and multilateral forums, Modi said India and Indonesia should continue working together through Association of Southeast Asian Nations to address shared challenges. "India doesn't believe in expansionism but in prosperity. We believe in, together with all, development for all," he said, adding, "India talks about freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. For this we have kept ASEAN at the centre, as can be seen by our Act East policy, which is also ASEAN-centric. The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and ASEAN has made great strides, and it is very important that India and Indonesia continue to work together in this direction."

Earlier in the day, Modi and President Prabowo oversaw the signing of 20 agreements spanning defence, agriculture, critical minerals and other strategic sectors. Among the major outcomes, India will invest in Indonesia's steel, nickel and rare earth manufacturing sectors, while Indonesia is set to procure the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system from India under a deal estimated at around $630 million.

With the agreement, Indonesia becomes the third Southeast Asian country to move forward with the acquisition of the BrahMos missile system after Vietnam and the Philippines. The two countries also agreed to cooperate on the development of Sabang Port, further strengthening maritime connectivity and strategic ties.

Modi's visit to Indonesia marks the first leg of his three-nation tour, which will also take him to Australia and New Zealand.