Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Jakarta on Monday, July 6, 2026, marking the start of a three-nation tour aimed at reinforcing India's Act East Policy. The visit was met with a ceremonial welcome, including fighter jet escorts from the Indonesian Air Force and cultural performances, underscoring the deepening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Grand Welcome and High-Level Meetings
Upon arrival, PM Modi was received at the airport by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto along with four other ministers. In a post on X, Modi expressed gratitude: "Landed in Jakarta. I'm touched by President Prabowo Subianto's gesture of welcoming me at the airport. In 2018 we elevated our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has benefitted our people." This marks Modi's fourth visit to Indonesia and the first bilateral visit since the partnership was formalized in May 2018.
Diaspora Engagement and Cultural Performances
The Indian diaspora in Jakarta gave Modi a warm reception. He described their affection and commitment to India's progress as "truly inspiring," noting how the diaspora strengthens India's global bonds through achievements in various fields. The Prime Minister witnessed several cultural performances highlighting the civilizational connect between the two countries. A performance titled 'Homage to the Triple Gem' by the Vihara Dharma Ratna Group, embodying Lord Buddha's teachings, was called "exceptional" by Modi. He also saw a Bharatanatyam performance by the Samanvaya Group and a Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry rendition of the Ramayana, which he called "a moving reminder of how our shared civilisational heritage has travelled across seas and generations."
Strategic and Economic Cooperation
Modi emphasized that his visits to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand will strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and the outlook for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Modi will hold bilateral discussions with President Prabowo to review progress in the partnership. Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty highlighted expected agreements in health, agriculture, food security, science and technology, space, pharmaceuticals, education, manufacturing, and critical minerals. He said, "There will be agreements in the health sector, in agriculture, in food security, in science and technology, space, pharmaceuticals, education, in manufacturing, in critical minerals. So there are many, and I think Prime Minister Modi's visit will open up new chapters of cooperation."
Trade and Investment Ties
Indonesia is India's second-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching USD 24.78 billion in the 2025-26 fiscal year. Over 130 Indian enterprises have active investments across diverse sectors in Indonesia. Critical mineral cooperation is a key focus, as Indonesia holds about 21% of the world's nickel reserves and is a top producer of copper, bauxite, and tin. The three-day visit aims to structurally strengthen bilateral institutional mechanisms and trade channels in this vital domain.
Cultural and Heritage Highlights
Modi is scheduled to visit the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the historical and warm people-to-people ties. The visit also includes addressing the Indian diaspora in Jakarta. The cultural performances and heritage site visit underscore the shared civilizational roots, from Buddhist heritage to the Ramayana epic, which have taken local expressions in Indonesia.
