Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome at the presidential palace in Jakarta on Tuesday as he began the official leg of his state visit to Indonesia. The visit is aimed at further strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with both nations expected to deepen cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade, investment and critical minerals.
The high-profile visit comes after the Prime Minister arrived in Indonesia on Monday as part of his three-nation diplomatic tour covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Upon entering Indonesian airspace, his aircraft was escorted by fighter jets of the Indonesian Air Force, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally received him at the airport. The Prime Minister was also welcomed with a traditional cultural dance performance, reflecting the close cultural ties between the two nations.
First Bilateral Visit Since Strategic Partnership
PM Modi’s visit, scheduled from July 6 to 8, is being undertaken at the invitation of President Prabowo and marks his fourth visit to Indonesia. More importantly, it is the first bilateral visit since India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
The visit is expected to provide fresh momentum to bilateral ties through discussions on defence collaboration, maritime cooperation, economic engagement, regional security and people-to-people exchanges.
Defence and Maritime Cooperation High on Agenda
Defence and maritime security are expected to remain among the key focus areas during the high-level talks.
India and Indonesia have significantly expanded their strategic partnership over the past few years through regular military exercises, defence industry cooperation, high-level official exchanges and maritime collaboration. Indonesia’s acquisition of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has further strengthened defence ties between the two countries.
The discussions are also expected to reinforce cooperation under India’s MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) initiative, which promotes maritime security, regional stability and sustainable development across the Indo-Pacific.
Ahead of the visit, Prime Minister Modi said the tour would strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and commitment towards a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
“My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.
Trade, Investment and Critical Minerals
Economic cooperation is expected to be another major pillar of the discussions.
Indonesia is currently India’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching approximately USD 24.78 billion during the 2025-26 financial year. More than 130 Indian companies have established operations across various sectors of the Indonesian economy.
The leaders are also expected to discuss expanding investments in infrastructure, energy, mining and emerging technologies.
A key area of strategic interest is critical minerals, with Indonesia possessing nearly 21 per cent of the world’s nickel reserves and being one of the leading global producers of bauxite, copper and tin. Strengthening cooperation in this sector is expected to support India’s renewable energy ambitions, electric vehicle ecosystem and long-term supply chain security.
Strengthening Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Apart from official engagements, Prime Minister Modi will interact with members of the Indian diaspora living in Indonesia during his visit.
He is also scheduled to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta along with President Prabowo. The historic Hindu temple complex has long been regarded as a symbol of the deep civilisational and cultural links shared by India and Indonesia.
The visit underscores the centuries-old historical relationship between the two nations while seeking to further strengthen modern strategic and economic partnerships.
Multi-Nation Diplomatic Tour
Following the completion of his engagements in Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Australia and New Zealand, where he is expected to hold bilateral meetings focused on regional security, trade, investment, technology, education and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
The three-nation visit reflects India’s continued diplomatic outreach across the Indo-Pacific region and its efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships with key regional allies.
