India, Indonesia Sign Defence Deals for BrahMos & Astra Missiles; PM Modi Conferred Highest Honour

Jakarta (IANS): India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a landmark agreement for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Indonesian military. The breakthrough came during high-level bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta.

Alongside the BrahMos deal, Indonesia finalised plans to import India’s indigenously developed Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAM) and expand its current BrahMos inventory with additional missile batteries.

The two strategic partners also signed key pacts to advance maritime safety, critical mineral supply chains, and technology sharing, marking a massive leap forward for the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Defence, Infrastructure, and Healthcare Pacts Signed

The bilateral meeting yielded several major outcomes across security, technology, and economic sectors:

• Missile Exports: Indonesia will procure the DRDO-developed Astra air-to-air missile and acquire additional batteries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile—the world’s fastest operational cruise missile.
• Maritime Security Framework: The two nations finalised a framework for maritime safety and security cooperation, including plans to jointly develop the strategically vital Sabang Port overlooking the Strait of Malacca.
• EVM Tech Export: India will support the development of Indonesia-specific Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), extending its poll-management technology to the Southeast Asian nation.
• Critical Minerals & Steel: The leaders inked an agreement on minerals and technologies for the steel supply chain, opening doors for Indian investment in Indonesian steel, nickel, and rare earth permanent magnets.
• Healthcare Cooperation: The leaders agreed to ease access to affordable Indian medicines in Indonesia and collaborate on capacity building for Indonesian doctors and healthcare workers.

“The growing trust between our countries is strengthening our defence, security, and maritime cooperation. Today, we have reached an agreement to enhance defence exchanges, disaster management, and industrial cooperation,” PM Modi stated.

Indonesia Confers Highest Civilian and Military Honour on PM Modi

Following the bilateral breakthroughs, President Prabowo Subianto conferred Indonesia’s highest honour, the ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’, upon Prime Minister Modi.

Instituted in 1959, the Southeast Asian nation awards this prestigious civilian and military medal to recognise extraordinary service. The honour adds to PM Modi’s collection of over 30 international accolades, making him the most internationally decorated Indian leader in history.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi received an unprecedented ceremonial welcome at the Merdeka Palace, greeted by cheering schoolchildren waving flags of both nations. President Subianto had personally received PM Modi at the airport on Monday afternoon in a rare diplomatic gesture to kick off the Prime Minister’s three-nation tour, which also includes Australia and New Zealand.

“Arrived in Jakarta. I was deeply touched by the warmth of President Prabowo Subianto, who personally welcomed me at the airport,” PM Modi posted on X.

As part of the cultural itinerary, the two leaders will also travel to Yogyakarta to visit the Prambanan Temple complex—Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site. India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, confirmed that both leaders will announce the commencement of restoration work at the temple complex during the visit.