India and Indonesia Elevate Strategic Partnership as PM Narendra Modi Holds Talks with President Prabowo Subianto.
Jakarta:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, announcing a series of agreements across defence, healthcare, technology, education, maritime cooperation, trade, and cultural exchange during bilateral talks in Jakarta.
Addressing a joint press statement after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi thanked President Prabowo for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him during his official visit to Indonesia. Modi recalled that President Prabowo had visited India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations last year and said it was a pleasure to visit Indonesia at his invitation.
The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude after being conferred Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, calling it a recognition not only for him but for the 1.4 billion people of India. He said the award reflected the goodwill of the Indonesian people and symbolized the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Strategic Partnership Reaches New Heights
Modi said India and Indonesia’s Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, has gained fresh momentum with expanding cooperation in development, security, technology, education, culture, and economic engagement.
He expressed confidence that the agreements signed during the visit would mark the beginning of a “golden new chapter” in bilateral relations and contribute positively to regional and global prosperity.
Defence and Maritime Cooperation Expanded
Both leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation in defence exchanges, disaster management, and defence industries. India and Indonesia also decided to enhance collaboration between their Coast Guards to improve maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.
As major maritime nations, the two countries will expand cooperation in the blue economy, port development, and maritime trade, reinforcing their shared commitment to a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
Focus on Healthcare and Food Security
Prime Minister Modi highlighted that poverty eradication and welfare delivery remain top priorities for both governments. India shared its experience with the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Public Distribution System, with both sides agreeing to deepen cooperation in these sectors.
A new healthcare agreement will facilitate greater access for Indonesian citizens to India’s affordable, high-quality medicines while also promoting capacity building for Indonesian doctors and healthcare professionals.
India will also supply high-yield wheat seeds developed in the country to strengthen Indonesia’s food security. The two nations will exchange expertise in sustainable agriculture and modern agri-technology.
Technology, AI and Start-up Collaboration
Recognising the importance of technology-driven growth, the two countries signed a key agreement to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and Digital Public Infrastructure.
The leaders also agreed to enhance collaboration between their start-up ecosystems, creating greater opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
In a major educational initiative, Modi announced that the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore will establish an overseas campus in Indonesia, which is expected to benefit students from across the ASEAN region.
Cooperation in Space, Critical Minerals and Steel
India and Indonesia also decided to deepen cooperation in the space sector through joint research, technology sharing, and capacity building, building on decades of successful collaboration.
To improve supply chain resilience, both countries signed agreements covering critical minerals and steel. Companies from both nations will also work together in the production of stainless steel and rare earth magnets, sectors considered strategically important for future industrial development.
UPI Integration and Cultural Cooperation
Highlighting the importance of people-to-people ties, Prime Minister Modi announced that India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will soon be integrated with Indonesia’s payment system. The move is expected to simplify digital transactions, facilitate tourism, and improve business connectivity between the two countries.
The Prime Minister also announced that he would join President Prabowo in Yogyakarta to launch the conservation project for the historic Prambanan Temple, a symbol of the centuries-old cultural links between India and Indonesia.
The two countries will also jointly celebrate the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore’s historic visit to Indonesia as the “Tagore–Dewantara Year of Cultural and Educational Diplomacy,” recognising the shared intellectual and cultural legacy between Rabindranath Tagore and Indonesia’s pioneering education reformer Ki Hajar Dewantara.
Strengthening Democratic and Global Cooperation
India and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding between their Election Commissions to strengthen democratic cooperation and institutional exchanges.
On regional and international issues, Modi reaffirmed India’s strong support for ASEAN centrality and highlighted the growing convergence between the two countries on Indo-Pacific affairs.
He also stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of addressing global conflicts and reiterated India’s consistent support for a Two-State Solution to achieve lasting peace in Palestine.
Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi said India and Indonesia are entering a new era of partnership rooted in shared cultural heritage, mutual trust, and common prosperity. He expressed confidence that both nations would work together to realise Indonesia’s vision of “Indonesia Emas” and India’s goal of becoming a “Viksit Bharat.”
