Modi, Indonesia's Prabowo discuss boosting strategic ties amid global economic uncertainty

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Tuesday to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries, with discussions focusing on defence, trade, maritime security and economic cooperation against the backdrop of growing global economic uncertainty.

The two leaders met at Jakarta's Merdeka Palace after an official welcome ceremony during Modi's three-day visit to Southeast Asia's largest economy.

According to Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, the discussions centred on key areas of bilateral cooperation, including defence and security, trade and investment, food and energy security, critical minerals, and capacity building in the health and education sectors.

Eight agreements and several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, he said.

The visit marks Modi's second trip to Indonesia as prime minister, following his first visit in 2018. It comes after Prabowo attended India's Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest last year.

Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday for the first leg of a regional tour that will also take him to Australia and New Zealand.

His aircraft was escorted into Indonesian airspace by three fighter jets before landing at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, where he was personally received by President Prabowo.

India and Indonesia are both members of the G20 and BRICS and have sought to deepen cooperation as influential voices of the Global South.

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty said Modi was also scheduled to address Indonesia's Parliament on Tuesday before meeting members of the Indian community in Jakarta later in the day.

"The visit reflects growing cooperation between two of Asia's most influential democracies," Chakravorty said ahead of the visit.

"In the recent geopolitical context, closer ties between two leaders of the Global South are very essential so that we give the message to the world that we are together and we work for each other's strength," he added.

Defence cooperation is expected to feature prominently during the talks.

Chakravorty said Indonesia has expressed interest in acquiring India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and that discussions have reached an advanced stage.

The two sides are also expected to discuss expanding maritime security cooperation, reflecting their shared strategic interests along key shipping routes linking the Indian and Pacific oceans.

A planned launch of the Indonesia Open Network, a digital commerce platform modelled on India's digital public infrastructure, is also expected during the visit.

On Wednesday, Modi is due to travel to the historic city of Yogyakarta, where he is expected to announce the launch of an Indian-backed restoration project at the Prambanan Hindu temple complex, one of Indonesia's most significant cultural heritage sites. The initiative follows an agreement reached during Prabowo's visit to India last year.

Modi will later travel to Australia for talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.