Modi, Prabowo to Hold Talks on Defence, Maritime Cooperation

Synopsis: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta to strengthen defence, maritime security, trade, critical minerals, and Indo-Pacific cooperation, reinforcing the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta as part of his official visit to Indonesia. The meeting is expected to focus on strengthening defence cooperation, maritime security, trade, critical minerals, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. The visit marks Prime Minister Modi's first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the two nations elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.

The leaders are expected to review the progress made across multiple areas of bilateral cooperation while identifying new avenues for collaboration. Defence cooperation is set to be a central theme of the discussions, with both sides exploring opportunities to deepen military engagement, expand defence industrial collaboration, strengthen joint exercises, and enhance capacity-building initiatives. Reports indicate that discussions may also include cooperation on advanced defence technologies and missile systems, reflecting the expanding strategic dimension of the bilateral relationship.

Maritime security will remain another key priority during the talks. India and Indonesia share vital maritime interests in the Indian Ocean and the wider Indo-Pacific region, particularly around the strategically important Strait of Malacca. The two countries are expected to discuss enhanced naval cooperation, maritime domain awareness, anti-piracy operations, search and rescue coordination, and measures to ensure freedom of navigation and secure sea lanes in accordance with international law.

Economic engagement is also expected to receive significant attention. The leaders will review bilateral trade and investment while exploring greater cooperation in critical minerals, energy security, pharmaceuticals, digital technology, healthcare, food security, and infrastructure development. Indonesia remains one of India's key trading partners in Southeast Asia, supplying commodities such as palm oil and coal, while both countries are looking to diversify cooperation into emerging sectors.

Also read: Indian Missions in UAE Launch Online Passport Appointment

Critical minerals are likely to emerge as an important area of collaboration. Indonesia possesses substantial reserves of nickel and other strategic minerals essential for electric vehicles, battery manufacturing, and clean energy technologies. Strengthening cooperation in this sector could support India's manufacturing ambitions and help build resilient supply chains for future industries.

The discussions will also cover regional and global issues, including developments in the Indo-Pacific, ASEAN cooperation, and multilateral engagement. Both countries support a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific and continue to work together through regional platforms to promote peace, stability, and sustainable economic growth. The meeting is expected to reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening regional security architecture and expanding cooperation on common global challenges.

Beyond strategic cooperation, Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Prambanan Temple, highlighting the centuries-old civilisational and cultural links between India and Indonesia. The visit reflects the importance both countries attach to strengthening people-to-people ties alongside economic and strategic cooperation.

India and Indonesia have steadily expanded cooperation across defence, maritime affairs, trade, technology, healthcare, and education over recent years. Regular high-level engagements have reinforced mutual trust and created new opportunities for collaboration across multiple sectors. The upcoming discussions are expected to further strengthen this momentum and elevate bilateral cooperation to new levels.

Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Prabowo underscores India's continued commitment to its Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR vision. By deepening collaboration in defence, maritime security, critical minerals, and economic development, both nations aim to build a stronger strategic partnership that contributes to regional stability, shared prosperity, and long-term growth across the Indo-Pacific.