"Warm embrace!" Indonesia truly seems to have found its "true" partner in India.
The Jakarta Post's front page reported that on Tuesday, President Prabowo Subianto (right) greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting at the presidential residence in central Jakarta.
Indonesia and India Strengthen Ties Through Missiles and Critical Minerals — Prabowo and Modi Announce BrahMos Missile Contract.
President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a series of landmark agreements on missile systems and critical minerals, as both leaders seek to strengthen strategic relations amid escalating geopolitical competition in the Indo-Pacific region.
The signing ceremony took place during Modi’s two-day state visit to Indonesia, marking the first stop in his three-nation tour that also includes Australia and New Zealand.
Modi stated that this visit aims to advance India’s “Act East” policy and its vision of a “Greater Oceans” for the Global South, while reinforcing its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday afternoon.
Upon entering Indonesian airspace, his aircraft was escorted by five fighter jets. The Indian Prime Minister was personally welcomed at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in East Jakarta by President Prabowo and four cabinet ministers.
On Tuesday, the two leaders held bilateral talks at the presidential palace in central Jakarta. They reached at least 15 strategic agreements and memoranda of understanding covering defense, critical minerals, space, health, agriculture, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, and maritime security. One of these agreements involves a contract between Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense and BrahMos Aerospace—a joint venture between India and Russia—for the supersonic cruise missile developed by the company.
Another agreement is a cooperation pact between Bharat Dynamics Limited and Indonesia’s defense firm Republikorp on air-to-air missiles.
After the bilateral talks, Modi addressed the media, describing the relationship between the two nations as entering a “new golden chapter.” He noted that the comprehensive strategic partnership established in 2018 marked a new beginning, now expanded across multiple fields.
“A golden era is calling upon our two nations,” Modi said. “The positive impacts generated by this new chapter will not only be felt by our two countries, but across the entire 21st century—benefiting the whole world and humanity.” He added that growing trust between Indonesia and India is evident in their expanding cooperation in defense, security, and maritime collaboration, with joint efforts to strengthen security in the Indian Ocean region.
Beyond defense, the two leaders also agreed to deepen cooperation in critical minerals, stainless steel, and rare-earth magnet manufacturing through a strategic joint venture between India’s Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and PT Krakatau Steel, as well as a partnership involving India’s National Fiber and Technology Development Center (NFTDC). “We are the world’s two largest democracies,” said President Prabowo. “Our cooperation between our two nations will undoubtedly bring positive contributions to the region.”
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1870192809695244/
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