Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun a three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand aimed at strengthening India’s strategic, economic and security partnerships across the Indo-Pacific…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Indonesia for the first leg of a three-nation tour that will also take him to Australia and New Zealand, with the visit centred on strengthening India’s Act East Policy, advancing its MAHASAGAR vision, and expanding strategic engagement across the Indo-Pacific.
Modi received a ceremonial welcome at the airport from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was joined by four cabinet ministers, reflecting the importance Indonesia has attached to the visit.
Before leaving New Delhi, Modi said the tour highlighted India’s commitment to stronger regional partnerships and a “free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.”
“My visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand will further strengthen our Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Modi said.
MAHASAGAR, which stands for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, is India’s framework for promoting regional security, connectivity and shared prosperity.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the growing relationship between India and Indonesia, recalling that the two countries elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his visit to Jakarta in 2018.
“This would be my first bilateral visit since the elevation of our ties and comes after President Prabowo’s State Visit to India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025,” he said. “India and Indonesia share strong civilisational and people-to-people ties, and my visit will further deepen all aspects of our multifaceted partnership.”
During his stay, Modi is expected to meet members of the Indian diaspora and accompany President Prabowo to the Prambanan Temple complex near Yogyakarta. The temple, Indonesia’s largest Hindu monument, is regarded as a symbol of the longstanding cultural and historical links between the two countries.
Defence and maritime cooperation are expected to feature prominently in discussions between the two leaders. Both countries are likely to build on the 2018 Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific through closer collaboration on maritime security and defence capacity building.
Planned initiatives include the stationing of an Indonesian Liaison Officer at India’s Information Fusion Centre for the Indian Ocean Region and expanded training opportunities for Indonesian cadets at India’s National Defence Academy and Defence Services Staff College. The measures are intended to strengthen maritime domain awareness and deepen defence cooperation.
Economic ties are also expected to receive significant attention during the visit. Indonesia has become India’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching US$24.78 billion in the 2025-26 financial year. More than 130 Indian companies currently operate across a range of sectors in Indonesia, reflecting growing commercial engagement between the two countries.
The leaders are also expected to discuss cooperation in critical minerals, an area of increasing strategic importance. Indonesia holds around 21 per cent of the world’s nickel reserves and is among the leading global producers of copper, bauxite and tin, making it an important potential partner in securing supply chains for emerging industries.
Food security, agriculture and healthcare are also expected to be on the agenda. India has been supporting Indonesia through wheat seed supplies and agricultural technology, while discussions are expected to cover the possible supply of affordable generic medicines under a government-to-government framework.
After completing his engagements in Indonesia, Modi will travel to Melbourne to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese before visiting Auckland for the final leg of the tour, at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The three-nation visit is expected to reinforce India’s diplomatic, economic and security engagement with key partners across the Indo-Pacific region.
