Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during an Indian community event, in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 7, 2026).
| Photo Credit: ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (July 7, 2026) said that India and Indonesia are going to deepen cooperation on global issues and reiterated the importance of the two-state solution to end the Israel-Palestine conflict. Mr. Modi made the remark while delivering a statement before the press in Jakarta where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presided over the signing of multiple agreements including the ones that will allow India to deliver BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and Astra Mk-1 beyond the visual-range air-to-air missiles to Indonesia.
“In this period of global turbulence, India believes that the role of dialogue and diplomacy has become more important than ever before. On the issue of Palestine, we continue to support a two-state solution and the pursuit of lasting peace,” said the Prime Minister while focusing on commonalities between India and Indonesia in dealing with globally important issues.
Synergy with ASEAN
Highlighting the “special importance” of the ASEAN grouping, he said, “There is strong synergy in our respective outlooks on the Indo-Pacific”. A joint statement issued at the end of the official dialogue mentioned that Mr. Modi and Mr. Subianto expressed “deep concern” over the war in West Asia and “its global effects”. “They welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed on 17 June 2026,” mentioned the joint statement, while adding that “transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz” has to be in “accordance with international law including the provisions of UNCLOS”.
It further mentioned that the Indonesian President welcomed “India’s interest in partnering on the integrated development of the Sabang Port” which will include maritime industries, and “shore-based services supporting offshore energy activities in the Andaman Sea”.
14 agreements signed
The two sides signed 14 agreements and MoUs including two on BrahMos missile system and air-to-air missiles. Both are ‘in-principle’ agreements that are aimed at procurement of these weapon systems by Indonesia. The overarching agreement for the procurement of Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles is for Indonesia’s fleet of Su-30 fighter aircraft. The number of missiles to be acquired will be determined during the contract negotiations, an official has said.
Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had visited India in November 2025 for discussions on the BrahMos missile deal, paving the way for the agreements during Mr. Modi’s visit to Indonesia. Under the proposed arrangement, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which manufactures the Astra missile, will integrate the weapon system with the Indonesian Air Force’s Su-30 fighters.
The Astra Mk-1 is already in operational service with the Indian Air Force and is powered by a solid rocket motor, offering an engagement range of approximately 80-110 kilometres. The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, has a range of over 290 kilometres and travels at speeds of up to Mach 2.8.
Indonesia bestowed the Prime Minister with its highest honour ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’. Mr. Modi is the second Indian Prime Minister to receive this award. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru received the same award posthumously on December 12, 1995. “It reflects the goodwill of the people of Indonesia and stands as a tribute to the historic and enduring bonds of friendship between India and Indonesia,” said Mr. Modi in his press statement expressing gratitude to Indonesian leadership and people for the gesture.
Published – July 07, 2026 11:09 pm IST
