India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed landmark defence agreements for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and ASTRA beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, following high-level bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta.
Landmark Defence Deals
The missile deals are part of a series of strategic agreements aimed at deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two maritime neighbours. India agreed to supply ASTRA systems to Indonesia, and the two nations also finalised a framework on maritime safety and security cooperation.
Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi described the day as the start of a "golden chapter" in bilateral relations. "Today marks the beginning of a golden chapter in the India-Indonesia partnership, and this golden chapter will have a profound positive impact on the world of the 21st century, on all of humanity," he said.
Space Cooperation Boost
The two nations, which share a decades-long partnership in space, have decided to elevate this through joint research and capacity building. PM Modi confirmed that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will assist in the exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes and help in the capacity building of Indonesia's space sector.
Growing Trust and Strategic Ties
"The growing trust between our countries is strengthening our defence, security, and maritime cooperation," PM Modi said while addressing a joint press statement with President Subianto. India and Indonesia established formal defence ties in 1951, while a Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed in 2001 and renewed in 2006. The partnership received a major boost during PM Modi's 2018 visit to Indonesia, when both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation.
Over the years, the two countries have broadened military engagement across all three services through bilateral and multilateral exercises, coordinated maritime patrols, defence dialogues, training exchanges, and cooperation between defence industries.
Review of Full Spectrum of Partnership
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the leaders reviewed the "full spectrum" of the partnership. Following the talks, several MoUs were exchanged in the presence of both leaders. Earlier in the day, PM Modi was conferred with Indonesia's highest civilian honour, which he dedicated to the "crores of Indians" and the historic bonds between the two nations.
