PM Modi begins Indonesia visit with bilateral talks focused on defence, trade, critical minerals
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday began his official engagements in Indonesia with a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Jakarta ahead of crucial bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, where defence cooperation, critical minerals, maritime security and trade are expected to dominate the agenda.
The meeting marks the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Indonesia since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening defence collaboration, enhancing maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, expanding trade and investment, and securing supply chains for critical minerals that are essential for clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
Before departing for the three-nation tour, Modi said the visit would reinforce India's strategic engagement across the Indo-Pacific region.
“My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean, respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.
Trade, defence and critical minerals in focus
India and Indonesia have significantly expanded defence ties in recent years through regular military exercises, high-level exchanges and growing cooperation between their defence industries. Maritime security has also emerged as a major pillar of the relationship under India's MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) vision, which seeks to promote security, stability and inclusive development across the Indian Ocean region.
Economic cooperation is also expected to receive fresh momentum during the visit. Indonesia is India's second-largest trading partner in the ASEAN region, with bilateral trade reaching nearly $24.8 billion in 2025-26. More than 130 Indian companies have investments across sectors in the Southeast Asian nation.
A key area of discussion is likely to be cooperation in critical minerals. Indonesia possesses around 21% of the world's nickel reserves and is a major producer of bauxite, copper and tin, making it an important partner for India's electric vehicle, battery manufacturing and renewable energy ambitions.
Modi arrived in Indonesia on Monday after his aircraft was escorted by Indonesian military jets upon entering the country's airspace. He was received at the airport by President Prabowo and welcomed with a traditional cultural performance.
During his stay, the Prime Minister will also interact with members of the Indian diaspora and visit the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple Complex with President Prabowo, highlighting the deep civilisational links between the two countries.
Indonesia is the first stop of Modi's three-nation tour, following which he will travel to Australia and New Zealand. The visit is aimed at strengthening India's strategic partnerships and expanding economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region.