India and Indonesia Deepen Strategic Ties with BrahMos Missile and Maritime Security Agreements

Jakarta: India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a series of strategic agreements, including a landmark defence pact for the supply of BrahMos missile systems to the Indonesian military, giving a major boost to India's indigenous defence exports.

As part of the expanding defence partnership, Indonesia is also set to procure the indigenously developed Astra missile, designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The beyond-visual-range missile is capable of engaging highly manoeuvrable enemy aircraft. India is also expected to supply additional batteries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

The two nations also finalised a framework to strengthen cooperation in maritime safety and security, reflecting their shared commitment to ensuring stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indonesia, the first stop of his three-nation diplomatic tour.

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Speaking after the signing ceremony, Modi said the growing trust between the two countries is strengthening cooperation in defence, security and maritime affairs. He added that both sides have also agreed to expand collaboration in defence exchanges, disaster management and industrial development.

The Prime Minister also announced greater cooperation in the healthcare sector, saying the agreement would improve access to India's affordable, high-quality medicines in Indonesia while supporting the training and capacity building of Indonesian doctors and healthcare professionals.

Beyond defence and healthcare, India and Indonesia signed an agreement on minerals and technology cooperation to strengthen the steel supply chain and secure access to critical minerals. India is also expected to assist Indonesia in developing country-specific Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), sharing its expertise in election technology.

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto conferred the country's highest civilian and military honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, on Prime Minister Modi.

Instituted in 1959, the Bintang Adipurna is awarded for exceptional service and represents one of Indonesia's highest national honours. The recognition adds to the growing list of top international honours bestowed upon the Indian Prime Minister by foreign nations.

With inputs from IANS