India and Indonesia have significantly expanded their strategic partnership with a series of agreements spanning defence, critical minerals, maritime infrastructure and technology cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Jakarta.
The announcements mark one of the most comprehensive collaborations between the two countries in recent years. The deal has reinforced shared ambitions to strengthen defence capabilities, secure critical supply chains and enhance regional connectivity across the Indo-Pacific.
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Indonesia to Procure Astra Missiles, Expand BrahMos Cooperation
A major highlight of the visit was Indonesia’s decision to procure India’s Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, marking another milestone in India’s growing defence export ambitions.
The procurement comes after the missile’s operational success during Operation Sindoor in 2025. The deal further boosts the ‘Make in India for the World’ initiative by expanding the global footprint of home-grown defence systems.
India will now assist Indonesia in expanding its BrahMos missile inventory by supplying additional missile batteries. The partnership not only strengthens both countries’ existing defence partnership but also boosts maritime deterrence & regional security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition, both nations signed an Air-to-Air Missile Cooperation Agreement to boost defence technology collaboration, strengthen indigenous missile development and improve long-term defence capabilities.
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Rare-Earth Minerals Target Future Industries
The premiers also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the minerals and steel supply chain.
The pact reflects the growing importance of critical raw materials for advanced manufacturing.
The agreement seeks to promote investments across the mining and mineral sector, improve access to advanced extraction and processing technologies, encourage joint studies and industrial projects and strengthen resilient critical mineral supply chains.
As part of the partnership, India is expected to invest in manufacturing linked to steel, nickel and rare-earth permanent magnets in Indonesia. These materials are increasingly vital for semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and advanced electronics manufacturing.
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Sabang Port Project Adds Maritime Dimension
The two countries also agreed to jointly develop Sabang Port, located near the strategically important Strait of Malacca and around 100 miles from India’s planned Great Nicobar port project.
The collaboration is expected to improve maritime connectivity, strengthen logistics infrastructure and support closer security cooperation along one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, further reinforcing the Indo-Pacific partnership between New Delhi and Jakarta.
Technology Cooperation Extends to Electronic Voting Systems
Beyond defence and infrastructure, India will now aid Indonesia in developing country-specific Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
The progress reflects Indonesia’s confidence in India’s election management technology and expands bilateral cooperation into digital governance & public sector technology.
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A Broader Strategic Partnership Takes Shape
The latest agreements outline how India and Indonesia are moving beyond traditional diplomatic engagement. Deeper collaboration in defence manufacturing, strategic minerals, digital technology, and maritime infrastructure is seen by industry experts as a strategic partnership move.
With this, India strengthens its position as an emerging defence exporter while securing access to critical resources that will shape future industries.
Indonesia, on the other hand, earns defence modernisation, industrial development, and supply chain resilience.
With competition intensifying over secure supply chains and regional connectivity, these initiatives could shape the next phase of cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
