New Delhi (India) July 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a trip to Indonesia on a three day tour starting July 6, and according to sources it promises to be a highly fruitful trip with several key outcomes for defence, technology, critical minerals and strategic connectivity as the two nations look to strengthen their ties and cooperation.
The visit intends to bolster the strategic and comprehensive relationship. PM Narendra Modi was accorded a ceremonial reception at Jakarta, where he met his counterpart before heading for official engagements. .
Indonesia To Acquire Astra Missile, Expand BrahMos Arsenal
In the defence sector, Indonesia is set to acquire India's indigenous Astra missiles from Delhi. This follows successful demonstrations of Indian missiles during India's Operation Sindoor.
Delhi is all set to boost its cooperation with Jakarta in the defence space. Indonesia also intends to purchase more BrahMos missile systems, as well as coastal defence batteries, to enhance maritime defence capability.
Indian EVM Expertise To Aid Indonesia
India will offer support in development of Indonesian-specific Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). India has long been using EVMs to conduct its general elections since as early as 2004.
Indonesia will not be the first country to signal its interest in purchasing or co-operating in development of EVMs with India. Bhutan currently uses Indian machines to hold polls and some parts of Namibia and Nepal also use these systems.
UPI Integration To Boost Digital Payment Links
The PM also revealed that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) from India would soon be integrated with Indonesia's payment system. This move comes after India’s continuous effort to expand its digital public infrastructure across the world.
President Prabowo Subianto also confirmed the expansion of cross-border QR payment linking and that India and Indonesia will collaborate on developing the linkage. Prime Minister Modi further announced a decision of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore to establish a campus in Indonesia, as part of an attempt to further collaboration and growth in management education, skills and entrepreneurship in the region.
Critical Minerals Partnership To Strengthen
To build resilient supply chains for critical minerals, India plans to invest in manufacturing steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia. These will aid both countries' strategic and industrial goals.
In terms of strategic connectivity, both countries also intend to co-develop Sabang Port, located strategically next to Malacca Straits and just a hundred miles from India's Great Nicobar port project, which will help enhance both countries’ connectivity through maritime routes and deepen cooperation on security.