MEA says Indonesia defence cooperation at preparatory stage, hopeful of progress on Australia uranium supply
New Delhi, July 4
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that defence cooperation with Indonesia remains an important pillar of bilateral ties and that discussions are at a preparatory stage, amid questions on additional BrahMos missile supplies. It also expressed hope that ongoing talks with Australia would lead to the implementation of the bilateral nuclear supply agreement.
Responding to a question during a special briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Rubendra Tandon, said defence cooperation with Indonesia is an important aspect of the bilateral relationship, while noting that discussions are still at a preparatory stage.
Tandon said, "Defence cooperation is an important part of the relationship with Indonesia. I don't think we need to go into the details of this at this juncture, particularly since we haven't even departed from here and all these are at preparatory stages."
On whether there could be progress on uranium supplies from Australia during the Prime Minister's visit, the Joint Secretary (Oceania), Vishwesh Negi, said India and Australia have a bilateral nuclear supply agreement that has not been implemented in recent years, but substantive discussions are underway.
He said, "On the question of the supply of uranium, we are aware that India and Australia have a bilateral nuclear supply agreement. However, it has not been implemented for the last few years. And in recent times, there have been very substantive, forward-looking conversations between the two sides. And I think there is a hope that there will be a logical conclusion to the discussions."
The remarks come at a time when BrahMos is gaining increasing international attention following its export success and operational deployment. The missile is jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM).
BrahMos is one of India's most significant defence export prospects as New Delhi seeks to expand its footprint in the global arms market while strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as part of his upcoming three-nation visit, will travel to Indonesia on July 8-9, Australia on July 10 and New Zealand on July 11.
The visit to Indonesia will see a focus on reviewing the bilateral partnership, while in Australia, PM Modi will participate in the third India-Australia Annual Summit process. Covering New Zealand in the last leg of his visit, PM Modi would become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in forty years.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see the strategic shift towards the Indo-Pacific. India is clearly positioning itself as a key player, especially with BrahMos exports. But I hope the PM's visit also focuses on trade and people-to-people ties, not just defence.
First PM to visit New Zealand in 40 years! That's a big deal. But why is the uranium deal with Australia stuck since so many years? Hope they sort it out soon - we need reliable nuclear fuel sources for our clean energy goals. 🇮🇳
The "preparatory stage" language on Indonesia defence cooperation sounds a bit vague. Would like to know what specific platforms or technology transfers are being discussed. India's defence diplomacy needs more concrete outcomes, not just statements.
BrahMos is a true Make in India success story! From a joint venture to a global export product - proud moment for DRDO. Hope we can sell more to Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam to counterbalance China's influence in the region.
While defence deals are important, I wish our government would also talk more about climate change and renewable energy partnerships. India-Australia cooperation on solar and green hydrogen has huge potential. Nuclear uranium should not be the only focus. 🤔
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