Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday underscored the growing global trust in India's defence equipment and technology, pointing to the recent agreement with Indonesia on BrahMos and Astra missile systems as a testament to the country's advancing defence capabilities. In the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi highlighted that India is continuously achieving new milestones in defence production, exports, and strategic cooperation with friendly nations.
Global Confidence in Indian Defence Technology Rises
"Friends, whether it is defence production, defence exports or political cooperation with friendly nations, Bharat is continuously scaling new heights. In the beginning of this month, I was in Indonesia, where a major agreement was signed for BrahMos and Astra missiles. The world's confidence is increasing towards Bharat's defence equipment and technology," the Prime Minister said. The remarks were later amplified by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, who posted on X that India's defence capabilities are earning global recognition. Jaiswal noted that the agreement signed during Modi's visit to Indonesia reflects the growing global trust in Indian defence technology.
Details of the India-Indonesia Defence Agreements
During Prime Minister Modi's visit to Indonesia from July 6 to 8, India and Indonesia signed significant pacts on July 7, including for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and ASTRA beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, transparent, rules-based, peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. A joint statement released after talks between Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto highlighted that economic and trade cooperation remains a key pillar of the dynamic bilateral ties, acknowledging vast synergies between India's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision and Indonesia's 'Indonesia Emas 2045' plan.
Expanding Defence Manufacturing and Exports
India's defence sector has seen a surge in indigenous manufacturing and exports in recent years. The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is a supersonic cruise missile capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea, and air platforms. The ASTRA missile is an indigenously developed beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, further showcasing India's technological prowess. The deal with Indonesia marks a significant step in India's defence export strategy, as New Delhi seeks to position itself as a reliable defence partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
Strategic Maritime Partnership in Indo-Pacific
Both leaders recognized India and Indonesia as maritime neighbours and strategic partners with robust defence cooperation. Recalling the adoption of the "Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific" in 2018, they reaffirmed their commitment to deepen defence and maritime ties. The agreements cover joint exercises, staff talks, joint research, co-production of new defence technologies, port calls, peacekeeping activities, information sharing, hydrography, capacity building, cadet training, and defence industrial cooperation. The elevation of defence cooperation includes collaboration on the BrahMos Missile System and the Air-to-Air Missile Cooperation Agreement.
Impact on India's Defence Landscape
This deal is expected to boost India's defence exports, which have already crossed record levels in recent years. It also strengthens India's diplomatic and strategic footprint in Southeast Asia. With Indonesia being a key ASEAN member, the partnership enhances regional security dynamics. The agreements signal that India is not only a major defence importer but an emerging exporter of advanced military technology, reinforcing the government's 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives.
