Indonesia and India signed multiple defence agreements on July 7, 2026, including cooperation on the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and Astra air-to-air missile supply, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Indonesia hosted by President Prabowo Subianto [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Modi’s visit from July 6 to 8 marked his first bilateral trip to Indonesia since 2023. The two leaders signed 14 agreements spanning defence, critical minerals, steel joint ventures, agriculture, digital, and cultural cooperation [1, 3, 8, 9, 5, 6, 7].
Deal values for the BrahMos missile system range between US$200 million and US$630 million according to various sources, though detailed terms were not publicly disclosed [1, 3, 8, 9]. Modi said, "Today, we reached an agreement to enhance defence exchanges, disaster management, and industrial cooperation" [5].
President Prabowo highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, "We're two of the largest democracies in the world. Partnerships between us will bring benefits to the region" [1]. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal added both sides "reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific" [6].
Observers note the missile deals illustrate Indonesia’s strategic shift towards diversifying arms procurement beyond traditional suppliers such as Western countries, China, and the US, turning instead to middle powers like India, South Korea, and Turkey. Retired diplomat Gurjit Singh commented, "Indonesia is moving away from China or the United States and is looking for middle power support, which is why they’re working closely with us (India), Japan, South Korea and others" [3, 8, 9].
Both countries also agreed to accelerate talks on a preferential trade agreement to strengthen economic ties [1, 5, 7]. Bilateral trade between India and Indonesia reached US$29.4 billion in fiscal year 2023-24 [6].
On July 8, Modi and Prabowo visited the Prambanan temple in Yogyakarta as part of the state visit [5, 10]. Modi is scheduled to visit Australia and New Zealand next [1, 5, 7].
