Defence, strategic projects and critical minerals supply chain among top agenda of PM Modi's Indonesia visit
New Delhi, July 7
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertakes visit to Indonesia, several outcomes are expected across the defence, strategic infrastructure and critical minerals sectors, as both countries focus on deepening cooperation in a range of key areas including defence and strategic segments.
Among the significant developments anticipated during the visit is India's support for the development of Indonesia-specific Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), marking what sources described as a major endorsement of India's election management model.
They also said that Indonesia has decided to procure India's indigenous Astra air-to-air missiles following the demonstrated effectiveness of India's missile capabilities during Operation Sindoor.
The Astra is an indigenous Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) family developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
According to sources, Indonesia has also decided to expand its inventory of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, and India is expected to provide additional missile batteries as part of the proposed cooperation.
The BrahMos is regarded as the world's fastest operational supersonic cruise missile. It can travel at speeds of up to Mach 2.8, carry a heavy warhead and strike targets at ranges exceeding 290 kilometres.
Operating on the "fire and forget" principle, the missile can be launched from multiple platforms, including warships, submarines, aircraft such as the Su-30MKI and land-based mobile launchers.
Sources further indicated that India and Indonesia are expected to take forward plans for the joint development of Sabang Port, a strategically significant deep-water port overlooking the Strait of Malacca.
The port is located around 100 miles from India's Great Nicobar port project, making it an important element in the maritime cooperation between the two countries.
Sabang Port is situated on Weh Island, off the northern tip of Sumatra in Indonesia. Located approximately 104 nautical miles from India's Indira Point and around 500 kilometres from the Strait of Malacca, it is considered a strategically important maritime hub and has been undergoing infrastructure development as part of India-Indonesia cooperation.
To strengthen the critical minerals supply chain, India is also expected to invest in the manufacturing of steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia, further expanding bilateral cooperation in strategically important sectors.
Meanwhile, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, focused on giving fresh momentum to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across key sectors, including energy, trade, maritime cooperation and defence.
The leaders are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in defence and maritime partnerships, critical minerals, food security and the digital economy during their meeting on Tuesday.
The talks are also likely to review progress made under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which India and Indonesia elevated in May 2018.
India's Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty has also said that both leaders are expected to announce the commencement of restoration work at the temple complex during the visit.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi received an unprecedented ceremonial welcome in Jakarta as he officially began his visit to Indonesia, with a focus on strengthening bilateral ties.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting move on the EVM front. While I'm all for strengthening ties, I hope we're also learning from Indonesia's election management system. The critical minerals partnership for nickel and rare earths is crucial for our electric vehicle and renewable energy ambitions though - good strategic thinking there.
Sabang Port project is a game-changer! Just 100 miles from our Great Nicobar development, this will give India a strategic foothold near the Malacca Strait. The Chinese must be watching this very nervously. And BrahMos to Indonesia? Our defence exports are finally taking off! 🚀
With all this defence cooperation and infrastructure development, I hope we're not overextending ourselves. Indonesia is a valued partner, but we need to prioritize domestic manufacturing first. That said, the rare earth magnet investment could secure our supply chains for decades - smart move if executed properly.
Living in Jakarta, I can see how much this visit means. The temple restoration announcement is particularly significant - shows cultural diplomacy alongside strategic ties. Indonesia respects India's growing capabilities, and the Astra missile deal validates our DRDO's hard work.
The EVM export is a quiet revolution - India's democracy tech going global! Combined with BrahMos and Astra, this visit covers soft power, hard power and economic power. Kudos to the strategic planning team. Sabang port + Nicobar = India controlling the eastern Indian Ocean. Brilliant! 🌊🔱
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