Milan (AsiaNews) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic tour is continuing this July. Following visits to France, Slovakia and the Seychelles, Modi embarked on a mission to three Indo-Pacific nations – Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand – securing new agreements in the fields of industry, defence and technology.
In the first week of July, the Indian Prime Minister travelled to Indonesia, where he met President Prabowo Subianto. Three years on from their last official meeting, which took place in 2023 with then-President Joko Widodo, the two leaders reaffirmed the strong partnership between their respective countries. “We are the world’s largest democracies. Our cooperation will bring many benefits to the region,” said Prabowo.
During the visit, agreements were signed in the sectors of critical minerals, agriculture and defence. In an official statement, Indonesia also confirmed the purchase of the BrahMos, the supersonic cruise missile system developed through an Indo-Russian joint venture. The missile, which reaches speeds of between Mach 2.8 and 3.0 (approximately 3,700 km/h) and is capable of striking naval and land-based targets with high precision, is one of the most advanced tactical systems in the world. Indonesia thus joins other South-East Asian countries that have purchased the BrahMos from India for a total of $630 million: the Philippines were the first buyer in 2022, followed by Vietnam, which concluded negotiations in May this year.
In addition to defence cooperation, the meeting focused on strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and steel – through the signing of memoranda of understanding – and on the agricultural sector. The Steel Authority of India and the Indonesian company Krakatau Steel will establish a joint venture to produce stainless steel in Indonesia. Modi also stated that the two countries would work together to strengthen maritime security in the Indian Ocean. “Our partnership is not merely a relationship between two countries: it is a pledge of confidence in the stability of the Indo-Pacific, in the strength of the Global South and in a shared future,” he said during his address to the Indonesian Parliament.
The visit to Indonesia, along with those to Australia and New Zealand, forms part of the Indian government’s ‘Act East’ strategy, which aims, amongst other objectives, to strengthen India’s presence in the Indo-Pacific and to counterbalance China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean and the ASEAN region. This context also includes the agreement for the joint development of the port of Sabrang, located on the island of Weh, one of the main achievements of the visit.
Situated at the northern tip of Sumatra, overlooking the Strait of Malacca, the port occupies a strategic position along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. Around 40 per cent of global trade passes through this strait, including 80 per cent of China’s oil imports, making it one of the most important chokepoints for international trade. Under the new agreement, India will participate in the development of the port of Sabrang, strengthening its presence in the oversight of the region’s main trade routes. Its proximity to the port of Great Nicobar will also enable New Delhi to enhance its surveillance capabilities and consolidate its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific.
