Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Indonesia on Monday, marking his third visit to the country since assuming office. He was welcomed at the airport by President Prabowo Subianto. A major highlight of the bilateral meeting between the two leaders is the expected finalization of a ₹2,500 crore deal for the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system.

Strategic Defense Partnership If finalized, Indonesia could become the second international customer for the BrahMos missile, following the Philippines. Developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos is recognized as one of the fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles in the world. Additionally, the development of the Sabang Port remains a key agenda item, aimed at strengthening maritime connectivity, logistics, and security, given its proximity to India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Cultural and Historical Bonds Beyond defense, the visit highlights the 2,000-year-old cultural ties between the two nations. Despite being the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, Indonesia’s heritage is deeply influenced by Hindu-Buddhist traditions. Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the 9th-century Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The influence of Indian culture is also evident in local traditions like the Ramayana-based dance dramas, and the historical depiction of Lord Ganesha on Indonesian currency.

Visit Milestone This trip marks Prime Minister Modi’s 102nd foreign visit and his third trip to Indonesia. He previously visited the country in May 2018 and again in September 2023 for the 20th ASEAN-India Summit and the 18th East Asia Summit.