Leaders expected to discuss agreements on defense, food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and strategic trade during Indonesian visit.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to meet President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 7) as Indonesia and India seek to deepen cooperation in defense, food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals and strategic industries.
The visit, Modi’s first to Indonesia since 2023, is expected to produce several memorandums of understanding (MoUs), although Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty said some agreements are still under negotiation.
“Some are in process, some will be finalized in time, some may get delayed, but there will still be outcomes related to the visit,” Chakravorty said last week, according to Reuters.
Defense cooperation in focus
Defense is expected to be one of the key pillars of the leaders’ discussions, with both countries seeking to advance cooperation in maritime security, anti-piracy operations and broader defense ties.
The two sides are also working toward agreements involving BrahMos Aerospace, the India-Russia joint venture that manufactures supersonic cruise missiles.
Indonesia has been in talks with BrahMos since 2023 over a potential missile procurement deal reportedly worth between US$200 million and US$350 million, following similar purchases by the Philippines and Vietnam.
Trade and strategic industries
The meeting also comes as Indonesia moves to centralize exports of several strategic commodities under greater government control, a policy aimed at increasing state revenue and strengthening oversight of key natural resources.
India, one of Indonesia’s largest importers of palm oil and coal, said it does not expect the policy to disrupt bilateral trade.
“We understand the reasons and we believe that we are part of the solution,” Chakravorty said.
Beyond trade, Modi and Prabowo are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, space technology and food security as both countries seek to broaden their strategic partnership.
Analysts say stronger Indonesia-India ties could reinforce cooperation between two of the Indo-Pacific’s largest democracies at a time of intensifying geopolitical competition and growing emphasis on resilient supply chains and regional security.
