India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a landmark defence cooperation agreement, marking a significant expansion of their strategic partnership during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prabowo Subianto-President of Indonasia.
The agreement provides a framework for collaboration in defence manufacturing, military technology, training and joint exercises. It also opens the door for Indonesia to procure Indian-made defence systems, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, as both countries seek to deepen defence industrial cooperation.
Maritime security featured prominently in the discussions. India and Indonesia agreed to strengthen naval cooperation, improve maritime domain awareness and enhance coordination in the strategically vital Strait of Malacca. Both sides also discussed expanding cooperation at Indonesia’s Sabang Port, located near one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, to improve logistics, connectivity and regional maritime security.
PM Modi described Indonesia as a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision, saying the partnership would contribute to peace, stability and a rules-based order in the region. President Prabowo reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening defence, economic and strategic ties with India amid evolving regional security challenges.
Besides defence, the two leaders reviewed cooperation in trade, investment, digital technology, energy, healthcare and skill development, while exploring ways to increase bilateral commerce and people-to-people exchanges.
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