The Impressive TimesJakarta :Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome in Jakarta on Tuesday as he began his official state visit to Indonesia, the first leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour covering Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The visit is aimed at deepening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while expanding cooperation in defence, trade, maritime security, and critical minerals.
Upon entering Indonesian airspace, the Prime Minister’s aircraft was escorted by Indonesian Air Force fighter jets before he was personally received at the airport by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The ceremonial reception also featured a traditional cultural performance, underscoring the warm diplomatic ties between the two countries.
PM Modi’s visit, taking place from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo, marks the first bilateral visit between the two nations since India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. During the visit, the two leaders are expected to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in defence, maritime security, trade, investment, connectivity, and regional stability.
India and Indonesia have significantly expanded their strategic partnership in recent years through regular high-level exchanges, joint military exercises, defence industry cooperation, and growing maritime collaboration. Indonesia’s acquisition of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile has further strengthened defence ties between the two countries.
Ahead of the visit, Prime Minister Modi said the tour would reinforce India’s Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) vision while supporting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He also expressed confidence that discussions with Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand would further strengthen strategic, economic, and people-to-people partnerships.
Beyond strategic cooperation, economic engagement will remain a key focus of the visit. Indonesia is India’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $24.78 billion during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The two sides are also expected to discuss cooperation in critical minerals, including nickel, bauxite, copper, and tin, which are essential for India’s renewable energy and manufacturing ambitions.
During his stay, PM Modi is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora and visit the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta alongside President Prabowo, highlighting the deep civilisational and cultural ties shared by the two countries.
Following the conclusion of his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Australia and New Zealand as part of his broader Indo-Pacific outreach, with the objective of enhancing regional cooperation and expanding India’s strategic and economic partnerships across the region.
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