Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The meeting marked a key step in deepening ties between the two nations under their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
High-Level Delegation and Ceremonial Welcome
During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi was accompanied by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Earlier, the Prime Minister received a grand ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Jakarta, including an escort by an Indonesian Air Force fighter jet and a personal reception by President Subianto at the airport. A traditional cultural dance performance greeted the Indian leader.
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Focus
The visit, from July 6 to 8 at President Subianto's invitation, is PM Modi's fourth to Indonesia and the first bilateral visit since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. The discussions aimed to inject momentum into this partnership, with defence and maritime coordination high on the agenda.
Security relations have expanded significantly through high-level exchanges, joint military exercises, defence industry collaboration, and Indonesia's acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The MAHASAGAR framework (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) guides India's vision for maritime security and inclusive growth.
Regional and Economic Cooperation
PM Modi stated that the visit builds on robust momentum with Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, focusing on strategic, economic, and people-centric domains. In his departure statement, he said, "My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific."
He is also scheduled to engage with the Indian diaspora and accompany President Subianto to the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, a symbol of civilisational links between the two countries.
Trade and Critical Minerals
Indonesia is India's second-largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching USD 24.78 billion in 2025-26. Over 130 Indian companies have investments in Indonesia. The discussions also covered critical minerals, as Indonesia holds about 21% of global nickel reserves and is a major producer of bauxite, copper, and tin, making it vital for India's supply chain security and renewable energy goals.
The visit aims to strengthen institutional cooperation and trade in critical minerals, alongside a comprehensive review of bilateral ties. After Indonesia, PM Modi will travel to Australia and New Zealand.
Members of the Indian diaspora in Indonesia expressed optimism that the visit would enhance collaboration in mining, infrastructure, energy, and emerging technology sectors.
