New Delhi/Jakarta: India and Indonesia have taken a major step toward strengthening their strategic partnership by signing a series of landmark agreements, including a defence pact for the export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on maritime safety. The agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Indonesia, underscoring the growing defence, economic, and diplomatic ties between the two Indo-Pacific nations.
In total, the two countries signed around eight agreements spanning defence, healthcare, education, digital technology, maritime cooperation, critical minerals, and cultural exchanges. The visit marks one of the most significant milestones in bilateral relations in recent years.
Indonesia to Acquire BrahMos and Astra Missiles
One of the biggest announcements during the visit was Indonesia’s decision to procure India’s indigenously developed BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, one of the world’s fastest operational cruise missile systems. The deal is expected to significantly boost India’s defence exports while enhancing Indonesia’s military capabilities.
Alongside BrahMos, Indonesia has also agreed to acquire the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, another advanced defence system developed in India. The agreements reinforce India’s emergence as a reliable supplier of advanced defence equipment to friendly nations.
Maritime Safety Agreement Strengthens Indo-Pacific Cooperation
Recognising the growing importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, India and Indonesia also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on maritime safety and security.
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in several critical areas, including:
- Maritime domain awareness
- Search and rescue operations
- Coast Guard coordination
- Safe navigation
- Protection of strategic sea lanes
- Information sharing on maritime security
Given Indonesia’s proximity to the Strait of Malacca—one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes—the pact is expected to play an important role in ensuring regional stability and securing international shipping lanes.
Eight Agreements Cover Diverse Sectors
Beyond defence and maritime cooperation, the two countries signed agreements across a broad range of sectors to deepen bilateral engagement.
The key areas include:
- Defence cooperation
- Healthcare and medical research
- Higher education and academic collaboration
- Digital technology and innovation
- Critical minerals and resource development
- Maritime cooperation
- Economic and trade partnerships
- Cultural and people-to-people exchanges
These initiatives are expected to open new opportunities for investment, technology sharing, and institutional collaboration.
A Major Boost for India’s Defence Exports
The BrahMos agreement represents another significant achievement for India’s expanding defence manufacturing sector. As New Delhi continues to promote indigenous defence production under the “Make in India” initiative, exports of advanced military platforms have become an important pillar of India’s strategic diplomacy.
Indonesia’s decision to purchase Indian-made missile systems reflects growing international confidence in India’s defence technology and manufacturing capabilities.
Strengthening the Act East Policy
The agreements also align with India’s Act East Policy, which seeks to strengthen political, economic, and security ties with Southeast Asian countries.
Indonesia is one of India’s key strategic partners in ASEAN and shares common interests in maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific. Enhanced cooperation between the two countries is expected to contribute to regional peace, maritime security, and economic growth.
Focus on Trade, Technology and Critical Minerals
Apart from defence cooperation, both leaders discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment while exploring partnerships in emerging technologies and critical minerals.
The two countries aim to improve supply chain resilience, promote digital innovation, and encourage greater collaboration between businesses and research institutions. These initiatives are expected to further strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia.
Why the Agreements Matter
The latest agreements carry strategic significance for both countries.
For India, the BrahMos deal strengthens its position as a major defence exporter while reinforcing its influence in the Indo-Pacific region. For Indonesia, access to advanced missile systems and enhanced maritime cooperation will improve national security and safeguard vital sea routes.
As geopolitical competition intensifies across the Indo-Pacific, the expanded India-Indonesia partnership signals a shared commitment to regional stability, stronger defence cooperation, and sustainable economic development.
