Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his three-nation tour in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Monday, where he held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to strengthen cooperation across key sectors and deepen the India-Indonesia partnership. The visit is expected to reinforce India's centuries-old civilisational ties with Indonesia.

Bilateral Talks and Economic Cooperation

The discussions between Modi and Prabowo are expected to focus on advancing the proposed BrahMos missile deal, which India's Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, has described as being in an advanced stage. With bilateral trade already at $28.15 billion, economic ties remain strong. Cooperation in critical minerals is also expected to feature prominently, with Indonesia emerging as a key partner for India due to its significant nickel reserves.

Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Jakarta, with an F-16 and a Sukhoi-30 fighter jet escorting his aircraft as it entered Indonesian airspace. The Prime Minister praised the Samanvaya Group's Bharatanatyam performance, saying it was heartening to see India's rich cultural traditions being preserved and presented with dedication and excellence.

Cultural and Strategic Cooperation

During the visit, Modi and Prabowo will jointly visit the Prambanan Temple complex, where the Archaeological Survey of India is restoring a thousand-year-old Shiva temple complex. Both countries regard the restoration project as a model for cultural diplomacy and a symbol of their shared heritage. Modi's visit is expected to further deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across strategic, economic, and people-to-people sectors.

The India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, has benefited the people of both countries, according to Modi. He expressed confidence that discussions with Prabowo would further strengthen bilateral cooperation across sectors. Modi's six-day tour to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand will strengthen India's Act East Policy and reaffirm its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

  • Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia: $28.15 billion
  • Indonesia's share of global nickel reserves: 21%

Modi's visit to Indonesia marks the beginning of his three-nation tour, with Australia and New Zealand on the itinerary. The outcomes of these visits are expected to have significant implications for regional cooperation and India's engagement with its strategic partners.