From BrahMos to Sabang Port: PM Modi’s Indonesia visit to deepen strategic ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Indonesia is expected to pave the way for major strategic agreements spanning defence, maritime cooperation, critical minerals and technology, further strengthening India’s role in the Indo-Pacific.

The visit is likely to produce a series of high-impact outcomes, including expanded defence exports, joint development of the strategically located Sabang port and closer cooperation in critical supply chains and election technology.

Sabang port to strengthen India’s Indo-Pacific presence

One of the key expected announcements is a joint plan to develop Indonesia’s Sabang port, located near the strategically vital Strait of Malacca.

The strait is one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes, linking the Indian and Pacific oceans and carrying a significant share of global trade and energy shipments. The project is expected to enhance India’s logistical reach in the eastern Indian Ocean and deepen maritime cooperation with Indonesia amid increasing geopolitical competition in the region.

Indonesia eyes more BrahMos missiles

Defence cooperation is also set to receive a major boost, with Indonesia expected to expand its inventory of India’s BrahMos missile.

Sources indicate Jakarta is considering procuring an additional BrahMos battery initially, with the option to increase the order to three batteries over time. The move would further cement India’s position as a trusted supplier of advanced defence systems in the Indo-Pacific.

Astra missile export on the cards

Indonesia is also expected to procure India’s indigenous Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM), marking another milestone for India’s growing defence exports.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Astra missile has a strike range of over 100 kilometres and can be integrated with Indonesia’s Su-30 fighter aircraft. The planned export reflects rising international confidence in India’s indigenous military technology.

Partnership on critical minerals

The two countries are also expected to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, with India planning investments in Indonesian facilities for steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets.

The partnership aims to strengthen supply chains for electric vehicles, clean energy, electronics and defence manufacturing while reducing dependence on limited global sources of critical minerals.

India to support Indonesia’s EVM programme

Another significant outcome could see India assist Indonesia in developing electronic voting machines tailored to its electoral requirements.

The initiative would showcase India’s expertise in election management and reinforce its reputation as a technology and governance partner for emerging democracies.