India to supply BrahMos and Astra missiles to Indonesia as defence ties deepen
India and Indonesia have agreed to significantly expand their defence and strategic partnership, with New Delhi set to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles to Jakarta. The agreements were reached during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Tuesday.
The two sides signed nearly a dozen agreements covering critical minerals, technology, food security, medicines, and maritime security. The missile deals come after India previously inked similar pacts with Vietnam and the Philippines.
Indonesia decided to import India's Astra missiles following the weapon's success during Operation Sindoor, according to sources. The exact number of BrahMos missiles to be supplied is not immediately known.
To strengthen critical mineral supply chains, India will invest in manufacturing steel, nickel, and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia. "In today's era, the supply chain resilience of technology holds great significance. An important agreement was reached to further strengthen the supply chain in the sectors of critical minerals and steel," Mr. Modi said.
India and Indonesia also agreed to jointly develop the strategically located Sabang port, which overlooks the Strait of Malacca and is 100 miles from India's Great Nicobar port project.
"The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we forged in 2018 is taking a new flight today. We are taking important steps forward in every sector - development, security, technology, culture, and education," Mr. Modi said in a media statement following the talks.
The Prime Minister said growing trust between India and Indonesia is strengthening bilateral defence, security, and maritime cooperation. He also announced a decision to set up a campus of the Indian Institute of Management-Bangalore in Indonesia.
"We are delighted that India's UPI is set to integrate with Indonesia's payment system. This will boost both ease of doing business and ease of travel," Mr. Modi added.
The two leaders discussed global challenges, including the situation in West Asia. "On the issue of Palestine, we support the Two-State Solution and long-term peace," Mr. Modi said.
