President Prabowo Subianto met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the latter's two-day visit to Indonesia, his first trip to the Southeast Asian country since 2023. 

BrahMos, an India-Russia joint venture missile manufacturer, and Indonesia's defence ministry signed a contract for the BrahMos missile defense system, according to an announcement in Jakarta, which provided no details.

From The Weekender

All of me: A journey of becoming nonbinary

Read on The Weekender

Reuters reported earlier on Tuesday that India will supply the BrahMos cruise missile system and the Astra air-to-air missile to Indonesia, citing an Indian government official.

In ​2023, BrahMos said it was ​in advanced discussions with Indonesia on a deal worth between $200 million and $350 million for its missile systems. It has already signed deals with neighbours Vietnam and the Philippines. 

Co-developed with Russia and already exported to the Philippines, the BrahMos drew fresh attention after the India-Pakistan conflict.

India hoped that the demonstration of its combat capabilities, which included a domestically developed "invisible shield" missile defence system, will fuel international demand.

Separately, Indonesia's Republikorp, a defence private holding company, and India-based defence company Bharat Dynamics signed an agreement on air-to-air missiles, the palace announced.

The two countries also signed memorandums of understanding for strengthening supply chains in critical minerals and steel, as well as agriculture.

Steel Authority of India and Indonesia's Krakatau steel will also establish a joint venture for stainless steel slab making in Indonesia.

"We're two of the largest democracies in the world," Prabowo said alongside Modi. "Partnerships between us will bring benefits to the region." 

India and Indonesia will accelerate preferential trade agreement talks, Prabowo said.

Modi said the two countries will work on promoting maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.

From The Weekender

All the streams. Where are the crowds?

Read on The Weekender

Neither leader mentioned the BrahMos deal in their remarks.

Prabowo met Modi in New Delhi last year, where they signed a wide range of agreements.

Modi is set to leave for Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday. 

Popular

Modi’s Jakarta visit seeks to strengthen Indonesia-India ties

Danantara's new fund risks reopening old infrastructure funding pitfalls

Govt aims for year-end launch of tax-friendly financial center