Modi, Prabowo Meet to Boost India-Indonesia Ties
Indian PM Modi met Indonesian President Prabowo in Jakarta to deepen strategic ties between Asia's two largest democracies, with discussions covering defense, trade, energy security, and critical minerals expected to yield eight bilateral a
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen strategic ties between Asia's two largest democracies as economic globalization faces headwinds.
Discussions between the leaders focused on several key areas, including defense and security, trade and investment, food security, energy security, critical minerals, and capacity building in sectors such as health and education. Eight agreements and several memorandums of understanding were expected to be announced during the visit, according to Indonesia's Foreign Minister Sugiono.
The two leaders held talks following a ceremony at Merdeka Palace, Indonesia's main presidential office.
This marks Modi's second visit to Indonesia as prime minister, his first being in 2018. The visit comes after Prabowo attended India's Republic Day celebrations as chief guest the previous year.
Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday afternoon for a three-day visit to Southeast Asia's largest economy, marking the first stop of his overseas tour to Indo-Pacific nations, including Australia and New Zealand.
The Indian Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome, with his plane escorted into Indonesian airspace by three fighter jets. Prabowo greeted him on the tarmac at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, underscoring Jakarta's emphasis on its relationship with New Delhi.
Both Indonesia and India are member states of the Group of 20 and BRICS.
Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty said Modi was scheduled to address Indonesia's Parliament before attending an evening event with the Indian community. Defense cooperation is expected to feature prominently in the talks, with Indonesia expressing interest in acquiring India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, with discussions having reached an advanced stage.
Chakravorty emphasized that closer ties between two Global South leaders are essential to demonstrate unified strength and cooperation on the world stage.
