PM Modi’s visit expected to deliver deals on missiles, Sabang Port development, critical minerals and digital cooperation….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia is expected to deliver significant outcomes in defence cooperation, strategic infrastructure and critical minerals, with New Delhi and Jakarta set to deepen collaboration across several key sectors.
One of the major announcements anticipated during the visit is India’s support for the development of Indonesia-specific Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), reflecting growing confidence in India’s expertise in election management.
In the defence sector, Indonesia is expected to procure India’s indigenous Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM), following the demonstrated effectiveness of Indian missile systems during Operation Sindoor, according to sources.
Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra missile is designed for deployment by both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, significantly enhancing air combat capabilities.
Sources also indicated that Indonesia plans to expand its inventory of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, with India likely to supply additional missile batteries under the proposed defence cooperation framework.
Jointly developed by India and Russia, the BrahMos is the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missile, capable of travelling at speeds of up to Mach 2.8. The missile can strike targets beyond 290 km and is deployable from land, sea, air and submarine platforms, operating on a “fire-and-forget” principle.
Strategic maritime cooperation is also expected to receive a major boost, with both countries likely to advance plans for the joint development of Sabang Port, a deep-water facility located on Indonesia’s Weh Island near the Strait of Malacca.
Situated roughly 100 miles from India’s proposed Great Nicobar port project and about 104 nautical miles from Indira Point, Sabang Port occupies a critical position along one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes and is seen as an important component of India-Indonesia maritime cooperation.
In the critical minerals sector, India is expected to invest in manufacturing facilities for steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia, strengthening supply chains for industries considered strategically important.
Prime Minister Modi also held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, with discussions aimed at injecting fresh momentum into the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The leaders are focusing on expanding cooperation in defence, maritime security, energy, trade, critical minerals, food security and the digital economy, while reviewing progress made since the partnership was elevated in 2018.
India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, said both leaders are also expected to announce the commencement of restoration work at a historic temple complex during the visit.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Jakarta as he began his official visit, underscoring the growing strategic importance of ties between India and Indonesia.
