New Delhi, July 9 (APAC Media): India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a series of strategic agreements to strengthen cooperation in defence, critical minerals, trade, agriculture, digital connectivity, and maritime security during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, while agreeing to expand collaboration across several strategic sectors.
Defence Cooperation Gets Major Boost
A key outcome of the meeting was the expansion of defence ties through cooperation on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and the ASTRA beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
Both countries agreed to deepen collaboration through joint military exercises, defence dialogues, staff exchanges, joint research, co-production of defence technologies, shipbuilding, defence industrial partnerships, capacity building, and information sharing.
The leaders also welcomed the deployment of an Indonesian International Liaison Officer at the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram and agreed to strengthen maritime security cooperation.
Focus on Critical Minerals and Trade
India and Indonesia agreed to enhance cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths to build resilient supply chains and support domestic manufacturing.
The two sides also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on minerals and steel supply chain technology, alongside a joint venture between the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and PT Krakatau Steel to explore a stainless-steel slab manufacturing facility in Indonesia.
They also agreed to advance local currency transactions between the two countries to promote bilateral trade, investment, and financial integration.
Agriculture, Healthcare, and Fertilisers
The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, food security, and nutrition through research, innovation, agricultural trade, and knowledge sharing.
In the healthcare sector, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) signed an agreement to enhance cooperation in medical product regulation.
Both countries also agreed to work together to ensure stable and affordable fertiliser supplies amid evolving global market conditions.
Maritime and Digital Connectivity
India and Indonesia pledged to improve maritime and air connectivity, with both sides supporting closer cooperation in cruise tourism, shipbuilding, marine industries, and offshore energy services.
President Prabowo welcomed India’s interest in partnering on the development of Sabang Port, with both leaders directing officials to finalise the project’s implementation framework in a time-bound manner.
The two countries also welcomed the launch of the Indonesia Open Network (ION), based on India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) architecture, to support MSMEs and digital commerce.
In addition, they noted progress on the India-Indonesia Cross-Border QR Payment Linkage, aimed at facilitating faster digital payments and boosting tourism, trade, and student mobility.
An agreement on telecommunications technologies and services was also signed to strengthen digital connectivity and support inclusive economic growth.
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