New Delhi/Jakarta, 07 July (H.S.): India will supply BrahMos cruise missiles to Indonesia under a landmark defence agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day state visit to the Southeast Asian nation. Prime Minister Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held bilateral talks on Tuesday, following which the agreement was signed and exchanged in the presence of both leaders. The two countries also agreed to strengthen maritime security cooperation and reinforce supply chains for critical minerals.
Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Indonesia, his first to the country since 2023. Following talks between the two leaders, Indonesia and India signed an agreement for the acquisition of the BrahMos cruise missile system.
According to reports by Antara News Agency and The Jakarta Post, a senior official at the Indonesian Presidential Palace said the agreement was signed between BrahMos Aerospace, the India-Russia joint venture that manufactures the missile system, and Indonesia's Ministry of Defence. The agreement was announced under the Jakarta Declaration, although no further details of the deal were disclosed.
The Indonesian Presidential Palace also announced that Indonesia's private defence holding company, Republikorp, and India's Bharat Dynamics Limited signed an agreement on air-to-air missile cooperation.
In addition, both countries signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals, steel and agriculture.
Under one of the agreements, the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Indonesia's Krakatau Steel will establish a joint venture to manufacture stainless steel slabs in Indonesia.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Modi, President Prabowo said, "We are the world's two largest democracies. Our partnership will benefit the entire region."
He also said that India and Indonesia would accelerate negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement.
Prime Minister Modi said both countries would work closely to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.
Following his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to depart for Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, President Prabowo Subianto accorded a ceremonial welcome to Prime Minister Modi at Jakarta's Merdeka Palace.
Prime Minister Modi arrived at the Presidential Palace at approximately 10:22 a.m. local time. His motorcade was escorted by 17 members of the Presidential Security Detail and a 120-member mounted cavalry unit.
President Prabowo received Prime Minister Modi at the West Portico of the palace. The two leaders shook hands, embraced warmly and stood together during the national anthems of Indonesia and India.
President Prabowo subsequently introduced Prime Minister Modi to senior Indonesian officials before inviting him to the Credential Chamber for the official photograph.
The leaders then held a private meeting, followed by delegation-level bilateral talks and a state banquet.
Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to visit the ancient Hindu Prambanan Temple as part of his official programme in Indonesia.
