Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 7, 2026, for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, marking the beginning of his three-nation tour that will also take him to Australia and New Zealand.
Defence Cooperation and Trade Ties
The visit is expected to focus on defence cooperation, including discussions on the BrahMos missile deal, which has reached an advanced stage according to India's Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty. The two leaders are also likely to discuss ways to enhance trade ties, with India's Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision being key areas of focus.
Despite existing trade agreements, India's trade with Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand has declined in FY26, with both exports and imports falling. India also recorded a trade deficit of nearly $23 million with New Zealand in FY26 after maintaining a surplus since FY21.
Key Outcomes and Next Steps
Some of the key areas that are likely to be discussed during the bilateral talks include:
- Defence cooperation, including the BrahMos missile deal
- Trade ties and ways to enhance bilateral trade
- India's Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision
- Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
After concluding his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Australia, where he is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for bilateral talks focused on expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The developments from these visits are expected to have significant implications for the region.
