Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Australia on Wednesday after concluding a three-day state visit to Indonesia, during which India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements to bolster cooperation in critical minerals, maritime security, and other key sectors. Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Melbourne from July 8 to July 10.
Key Outcomes of the Indonesia Visit
In a post on X, Modi expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the visit, stating, "As I conclude my visit to Indonesia, I leave with immense satisfaction at the outcomes achieved as far as the future of our partnership is concerned." He extended gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his "exceptional warmth and personal commitment to taking India-Indonesia relations to new heights."
The 14 agreements cover areas including critical minerals and steel supply chains, maritime security, medicines, education, outer space, research and innovation, telecommunication, and food security. This broadens ties amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.
Strategic Sabang Port Development
In a significant strategic move, India and Indonesia agreed to jointly develop the Sabang Port, located on the northern tip of Sumatra overlooking the Strait of Malacca. The port is approximately 100 miles from India's Great Nicobar Port project, enhancing maritime connectivity and security in the region.
During bilateral talks, Modi and President Prabowo underscored the importance of a deeper partnership for a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific. They called for a "zero-tolerance" approach to counterterrorism and demanded action against globally proscribed terrorists.
Cultural and Diplomatic Highlights
In a special gesture of friendship, President Prabowo personally saw off Modi at the airport. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, "Terima kasih, Indonesia! PM @narendramodi concludes his State Visit to Indonesia and embarks for Melbourne for the second leg of his three-country tour."
Before departing, Modi and President Prabowo visited the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to inaugurate a joint conservation project with Indian assistance. Modi thanked Indonesia for preserving the "grand heritage" of the temple complex.
At an Indian diaspora event in Jakarta, President Prabowo noted he has "Indian DNA" and called on Indonesians to learn from India's experience, which has strongly influenced the nation's civilization and culture. He also recalled being the chief guest at India's Republic Day in 2025, just three months after assuming office.
Next Leg: Australia Visit
Modi will be in Melbourne from July 8 to July 10 at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In his departure statement, Modi said, "My visit will strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and I shall, in my discussions with Prime Minister Albanese, take forward our relations in the areas of defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility and people-to-people ties."
He added that he would interact with the Indian diaspora in Melbourne, calling it an important pillar of the strategic partnership. The Australia leg follows Modi's first stop in Jakarta, and he will also visit New Zealand as part of his three-nation tour to shore up cooperation in trade, energy, security, and rare-earth minerals under the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework established in 2018.
