Visits to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand to focus on strategic partnerships, trade, security and diaspora engagement….reports Asian Lite news Desk
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday departed on a three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, saying the tour will reinforce India’s Act East Policy, strengthen its MAHASAGAR Vision and advance its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
In a departure statement issued before leaving, the Prime Minister said he would begin the visit in Indonesia from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Recalling that India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his 2018 visit, PM Modi said this would be his first bilateral visit to the Southeast Asian nation since the upgrade in ties. He also noted that the visit follows President Prabowo’s State visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025.
Highlighting the deep historical and cultural links between the two countries, the Prime Minister said the visit would further strengthen the multifaceted partnership across key sectors.
He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Indonesia and visit the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta along with President Prabowo. Describing the temple as a symbol of the enduring cultural links between the two nations, PM Modi said the visit reflects the shared civilisational heritage of India and Indonesia.
Following the Indonesia leg, the Prime Minister will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
PM Modi said his discussions with Albanese would focus on expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with emphasis on defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and stronger people-to-people ties.
He added that the visit would also create opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science.
The Prime Minister will meet members of the Indian community in Melbourne, describing the diaspora as an important pillar of the India-Australia strategic partnership.
The final leg of the tour will take him to Auckland, where he will hold talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
PM Modi said the visit would build on the momentum generated by Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025 and focus on expanding economic, trade and commercial cooperation. He noted that both countries have committed to strengthening bilateral trade and commercial ties following the signing of the Free Trade Agreement.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and said he looked forward to addressing a large gathering of the community, which has excelled across various fields.
Summing up the significance of the tour, PM Modi said that visits to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, followed by New Zealand, would further strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and its strategic outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pa
