Jakarta: Strengthening bilateral relations, India and Indonesia signed 20 key agreements on Tuesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jakarta. The agreements were finalized during a high-level bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

Strategic & Defense Milestones The most significant breakthrough of the summit was the BrahMos missile deal, which concluded after four months of rigorous negotiations. India will supply additional units of the BrahMos missile to Indonesia, making it the third international buyer after the Philippines and Vietnam. Furthermore, Indonesia has decided to procure India's 'Astra' air-to-air missile, which was recently used in Operation Sindoor.

Strengthening Democracy and Technology Showcasing the shared democratic values of both nations, an MoU was signed between their respective Election Commissions. Under this, India will assist Indonesia in developing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Highlighting technological and trade cooperation, PM Modi announced that India's UPI will soon be connected to Indonesia's payment network, streamlining cross-border business and travel. To fortify global supply chains in the tech era, the two nations signed vital agreements focusing on critical minerals, the steel sector, stainless steel, and rare earth magnets.

Global Vision and Cultural Connect Addressing the media, PM Modi emphasized the critical role of diplomacy in today's turbulent world. On the global front, he reaffirmed India's support for a 'two-state solution' and enduring peace regarding the Palestine issue. He also highlighted the synergy between the two nations regarding the Indo-Pacific region and ASEAN's central role.

"A golden era is approaching for both our nations. I am fully confident that together we will realize the dreams of 'Indonesia Emas' (Golden Indonesia) and a developed India," said PM Modi.

On the second day of his visit, President Prabowo conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honor upon PM Modi. Expressing his gratitude, the Prime Minister dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion Indians, calling it a symbol of deep historical ties.

PM Modi is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Jakarta on Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, alongside President Prabowo, he will visit the 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, celebrating the shared cultural heritage of the two nations.

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.