PM Modi Concludes Indonesia Visit with Expanded Cooperation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday concluded his three-day visit to Indonesia, from July 6 to 8, stating that the trip had opened new avenues for cooperation in defence, maritime collaboration, artificial intelligence, and digital innovation. In a post on X, he expressed satisfaction with the outcomes and thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the people for their warm hospitality.
Key Outcomes of the Visit
PM Modi said the visit strengthened bilateral ties by expanding cooperation in strategic and emerging sectors. He highlighted new avenues in defence and security, maritime collaboration, critical and emerging technologies, artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and capacity building. President Prabowo personally saw off PM Modi before his departure to Australia.
Inauguration of Prambanan Temple Restoration
Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi and President Prabowo inaugurated restoration and conservation work at the UNESCO World Heritage Prambanan Temple Compounds in Yogyakarta, symbolizing cultural cooperation.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Reaffirmed
On Tuesday, India and Indonesia reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during wide-ranging talks on political, defence, economic, technological, and regional cooperation. According to a joint statement, the state visit marked an important milestone following President Prabowo's visit to India as Chief Guest for the 76th Republic Day in January 2025. The leaders agreed to hold regular summit meetings and strengthen bilateral dialogue mechanisms.
Defence and Maritime Cooperation
Both sides committed to expanding defence ties through regular dialogues, joint military exercises, staff talks, defence research, co-production, hydrography, peacekeeping, and defence industrial cooperation. They welcomed cooperation on the BrahMos missile system and an Air-to-Air Missile Cooperation Agreement. Maritime cooperation was deepened in domain awareness, coastal surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, pollution control, and search and rescue. They welcomed the renewal of the MoU on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation and Indonesia's deployment of a liaison officer at the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram.
Counter-Terrorism and Security
The leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism in all forms and called for decisive international efforts. They urged action against UNSC 1267-listed terrorists and entities, and agreed to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism, terror financing, cyber security, organized crime, and preventing misuse of emerging technologies.
Economic and Trade Agreements
Trade and investment were highlighted as key pillars, with emphasis on early conclusion of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement review. They agreed to strengthen cooperation in finance, digital economy, critical minerals, and resilient supply chains. Agreements included a strategic joint venture between SAIL and PT Krakatau Steel for a stainless-steel slab facility in Indonesia, and progress on local currency transactions between RBI and Bank Indonesia.
Sectoral Cooperation and Connectivity
Cooperation was reaffirmed in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food security, energy, and fertilisers. They welcomed agreements on health workforce development and medical products regulation, and agreed to strengthen collaboration in renewable energy, green hydrogen, LNG, bioenergy, and energy efficiency. Both countries agreed to improve maritime and air connectivity, with India partnering in the integrated development of Sabang Port, strengthening connectivity between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sumatra. They welcomed Indonesia's Open Network initiative based on India's ONDC architecture, cross-border QR payment linkage, and an MoU on telecommunications.
Diaspora Reactions
Members of the Indian diaspora praised the visit and outcomes. One member noted the historic environment and multiple MoUs signed. A young attendee appreciated the speeches, finding President Prabowo's speech unexpectedly humorous and enjoyable.
