India and Indonesia have made a move forward in their relationship when it comes to working together on defence. They signed agreements to supply Indias BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia. This happened when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jakarta for two days and met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
These defence agreements make Indonesia one of the countries that India sells its defence products to. A company called BrahMos Aerospace signed a contract with Indonesias defence ministry to supply the BrahMos system. They also plan to work on Astra air-to-air missiles that can be used on Indonesias Sukhoi fighter aircraft.
Defence Partnership Moves Into a New Phase
The BrahMos missile is one of Indias known defence products. India and Russia worked together to develop it. It is a cruise missile that can be launched from land, sea and air. It is very good at security operations in the Indo-Pacific region. This is because it is very fast and can attack ships.
Indonesia is the economy in Southeast Asia and it has a lot of coastline to protect. The country has been working to modernize its navy and air force. Buying the BrahMos missile system will help Indonesia protect its coast and seas. The deal will likely happen in phases, including building infrastructure, training and providing maintenance and technical support.
The Astra missiles are also a part of the deal. Astra is a programme that makes air-to-air missiles that can be used by fighter aircraft. These missiles will be used on Indonesias Sukhoi aircraft. This could be a way for India to sell its air-combat systems to other countries.
Strategic Signal for the Indo-Pacific
India and Indonesia signed these agreements at a time when India is trying to work closely with countries in Southeast Asia. Indias Act East policy is about building stronger relationships with these countries. Indonesia is an important country for India because of its location near key shipping routes.
This deal also shows that India is becoming an important player in the defence industry. Indonesia is the country in Southeast Asia to buy the BrahMos missile system after the Philippines and Vietnam. This means that the BrahMos missile system is becoming widely used in the region.
Wider Cooperation Beyond Missiles
Defence was not the thing that India and Indonesia talked about in Jakarta. They also signed agreements to work together on minerals, steel and agriculture. Indias Steel Authority and Indonesias Krakatau Steel may work together to make steel in Indonesia.
The two countries also talked about working on maritime issues, trade and regional security. They want to start talks on a trade agreement soon. The trade between India and Indonesia was worth about $28.15 billion in 2024-25.
Prime Minister Modis visit to Jakarta and the defence agreements show that the relationship between India and Indonesia is getting stronger. They are now working together on defence exports, industrial projects, maritime security and regional strategy. India and Indonesia are taking their relationship to a level. The India and Indonesia partnership is becoming more important for both countries. India and Indonesia are working together on things, including the BrahMos missile system and the Astra air-, to-air missiles.
