India has finalized a deal to supply Indonesia with long-range missiles during a three-day state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Jakarta, where he was hosted by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to deepen bilateral ties spanning defense, critical minerals and other sectors.

Indian foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal announced in a post on X that an agreement for "cooperation on BrahMos System" was reached during the visit.

Jaiswal further noted that the two nations additionally secured an accord on air-to-air missile cooperation that "enhances technology collaboration and defence capabilities", though specific financial or logistical figures of the deal were left undisclosed and an Indonesian defense ministry spokesman did not respond to requests for comment.

Following his discussions with Prabowo, Modi emphasized the "growing trust" linking New Delhi and Jakarta as the foundation for broader cooperation across "defence, security and maritime affairs".

Modi told reporters, "Today, we reached an agreement to enhance defence exchanges, disaster management, and industrial cooperation", while also highlighting that the respective coast guards will collaborate on maritime security and safety within the Indian Ocean.

Beyond security arrangements, Asia's two largest democracies agreed to expand industrial cooperation involving steel and critical minerals, which Indonesia possesses in large quantities.

Modi stated, "A new partnership between our companies is beginning in the field of stainless steel and rare earth magnets".

Echoing these sentiments, Prabowo remarked that both nations consider economic cooperation to be "one of the main pillars" of their bilateral relationship, noting that he and Modi mutually committed to expanding bilateral trade and speeding up talks regarding a preferential trade agreement.

Additionally, both leaders welcomed ongoing restoration initiatives for the Prambanan temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in Yogyakarta—which they plan to visit jointly on Wednesday.

According to an official Indian foreign ministry statement, Modi's itinerary includes subsequent state visits to New Zealand and Australia following the conclusion of his trip to Indonesia.

Source: AFP