India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a defence agreement for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, marking a significant step in military cooperation between the two countries. The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia, the first stop of his three-nation tour.

The defence partnership is also set to expand with Indonesia planning to procure India’s indigenously developed Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles.

Defence ties gather momentum

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Astra missile is designed to engage and destroy highly manoeuvrable enemy aircraft beyond visual range. Its reported performance during Operation Sindoor is understood to have strengthened global confidence in the missile system and contributed to Indonesia’s planned purchase.

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India is also expected to provide Indonesia with additional batteries of the BrahMos missile, further deepening defence collaboration between the two countries.

Apart from defence procurement, New Delhi and Jakarta also finalised a framework aimed at enhancing maritime safety and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Highlighting the growing partnership, Prime Minister Modi said, “The growing trust between our countries is strengthening our defence, security, and maritime cooperation. Today, we have reached an agreement to enhance defence exchanges, disaster management, and industrial cooperation. With today’s agreement, India’s high-quality and affordable medicines will be even more easily accessible to the citizens of Indonesia. We will also contribute to the capacity building of doctors and healthcare workers in Indonesia.”

Focus on critical minerals

The two countries also signed an agreement on minerals and technologies for the steel supply chain. The move is aimed at strengthening cooperation in critical minerals at a time when countries across the world are seeking secure and reliable supply chains for key industrial resources.

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Election technology on the agenda

Another area of cooperation is election technology. India is expected to assist Indonesia in developing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) tailored to its requirements. The initiative is seen as an extension of India’s expertise in conducting large-scale elections using electronic voting systems and reflects expanding collaboration beyond defence and trade.

FAQs:

What defence agreement did India and Indonesia sign?

The two countries signed a pact for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia.

What other defence equipment is Indonesia expected to procure from India?

Indonesia is also expected to procure the DRDO-developed Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.