India, Indonesia boost defence ties with BrahMos, maritime security pacts

New Delhi: India and Indonesia upgraded their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, concluding agreements on BrahMos missiles, air-to-air Astra missiles and maritime safety and security.

The two nations also signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on rare earth magnets and cooperation in minerals and technology used in the steel supply chain. To strengthen the critical mineral supply chain, India will invest in manufacturing of steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia. The country has the world's largest nickel deposits.

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India will also provide assistance for conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple Complex, Yogyakarta.

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The agreements were among 20 documents and announcements after a summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. The Indian PM is on a three-day official visit to Indonesia.

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“A golden era beckons both our nations,” Modi told a joint press conference with the Indonesian President. “We share a common culture in our history, shared trust in the present, and shared prosperity in our future. I am confident that, together, we will realise the visions of Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia) and a developed India.”

Referring to critical mineral cooperation, Modi said, “In today’s era, supply chain resilience in technology is of great importance.”

The two leaders reviewed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership encompassing trade and investment, defence and security, maritime cooperation, digital and financial technology, energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, space, critical minerals and rare earths, culture, tourism, agriculture and peopleto-people exchanges. Growing defence partnership and maritime security cooperation were highlights of Modi-Prabowo summit.