Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia is expected to lead to a series of strategic outcomes that could significantly enhance India’s defense capabilities, maritime presence and access to critical minerals, while strengthening New Delhi’s role as a trusted security and technology partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
From Indonesia’s decision to purchase India’s indigenous Astra air-to-air missiles and expand its stock of BrahMos missiles to a joint plan to develop the strategically located Sabang port near the Strait of Malacca, the visit is expected to mark one of the most important milestones in bilateral relations.
Sabang Port Project to deepen India’s strategic footprint
Among the biggest outcomes expected from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit is an agreement to jointly develop the Indonesian port of Sabang, a project with major strategic implications for India.
The Strait of Malacca is the world’s busiest sea lane, carrying about 22% of global trade and nearly 29% of seaborne oil. It connects the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean via the South China Sea, providing the shortest sea route between the energy-rich Middle East and the manufacturing centers of Asia.
The joint development is expected to strengthen India’s naval presence in the eastern Indian Ocean, improve logistics cooperation with Indonesia and enhance New Delhi’s strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region amid growing competition in the region.
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Indonesia expands its stock of BrahMos missiles
India and Indonesia are also expected to deepen defense ties by expanding the BrahMos missile stockpile in Jakarta.
According to sources, Indonesia is looking to purchase an additional BrahMos battery initially, with the possibility of increasing the order to three batteries over time. India will support Indonesia in deploying additional systems.
This step confirms the growing confidence in India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and strengthens New Delhi’s position as a major supplier of advanced military platforms in the Indo-Pacific region.
Indonesia imports Indian Astra missiles
Another major defense outcome expected from the visit is Indonesia’s decision to import India’s indigenously produced Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM).
This development comes after India’s air combat capabilities attracted international attention during Operation Sindoor, boosting confidence in indigenous defense systems.
Indonesia operates Su-30 fighter jets, allowing for the seamless integration of the Astra missile, which has a strike range of more than 100 kilometres. Developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), the missile recently completed successful flight trials using an indigenous radio frequency seeker, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy.
These exports represent another milestone in India’s ambition to emerge as a global arms exporter.
India is investing in Indonesia’s important mineral sector
The two countries are also expected to strengthen cooperation in the field of critical minerals, with India planning to invest in steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnet manufacturing facilities in Indonesia.
The partnership aims to secure resilient supply chains for sectors such as electric vehicles, clean energy, electronics and defense manufacturing, while reducing India’s dependence on vulnerable global sources.
India helps Indonesia develop indigenous electronic devices
In another notable outcome, India will support Indonesia in developing electronic voting machines tailored to meet the country’s requirements.
This initiative is seen as a major endorsement of India’s election management model and its expertise in conducting elections on an unparalleled scale using EVM technology.
