India and Indonesia agreed to jointly develop the Sabang Port and finalise defence procurement deals including the BrahMos missile and the Astra air-to-air missile following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto. The accords were signed after leaders held discussions aimed at deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018. Officials characterised the visit as a step to broaden defence, trade and maritime ties.

Mr Modi said the understandings would enhance defence exchanges, disaster management cooperation and industrial collaboration and indicated that growing trust would strengthen security and maritime cooperation. He described the partnership as entering a new phase that would advance cooperation in development, technology, culture and education and would have a positive international impact. The two sides agreed to pursue closer operational linkages between their militaries and to intensify joint training and information sharing.

Among economic measures, India and Indonesia resolved to boost collaboration in the blue economy, maritime trade and port development, with Sabang identified as a focal point for joint projects. The Prime Minister announced that India would establish a campus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) in Indonesia and that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) would be integrated with Indonesian payment systems for cross-border transactions. Officials said the payment integration was expected to improve both the ease of doing business and the ease of travel, and both countries agreed to explore industrial cooperation and investment facilitation.

The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia, and India reiterated its support for a Two-State Solution as basis for long-term peace. Mr Modi is on a three-day visit to Indonesia at the invitation of President Prabowo to advance India’s Act East Policy and to deepen bilateral cooperation, with Jakarta serving as the first stop on a three-nation tour. During the visit President Prabowo conferred Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, on Mr Modi symbolising strengthened ties.