PM Modi Heads To Australia After Indonesia Visit, Seals 14 Bilateral Agreements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for Australia after concluding a three-day visit to Indonesia, during which India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation across strategic sectors, including critical minerals, maritime security, food security and outer space. The visit underscored the two countries' shared commitment to deepening their comprehensive strategic partnership amid evolving geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, with the two leaders reviewing the progress of bilateral ties and discussing ways to expand cooperation in defence, trade, connectivity and regional security. In a gesture reflecting the close relationship between the two countries, President Subianto personally saw Prime Minister Modi off at the airport as he departed for Australia.

The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promoting a free, open, inclusive and peaceful Indo-Pacific region based on international law and respect for sovereignty. They also stressed the need for stronger collaboration to address shared security challenges and reiterated a "zero-tolerance" approach towards terrorism. Calling for decisive international action against globally proscribed terrorists and terror networks, both sides emphasised the importance of collective efforts to combat cross-border terrorism and violent extremism.

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A major outcome of the visit was the signing of 14 agreements covering a wide range of sectors. The pacts seek to enhance collaboration in critical minerals and steel supply chains, maritime security, pharmaceuticals, education, telecommunications, food security, research and innovation, and space cooperation. The agreements are expected to diversify economic engagement between the two countries while improving resilience in strategic supply chains that have become increasingly important amid global economic uncertainty.

One of the most significant announcements was the decision by India and Indonesia to jointly develop the strategically located Sabang Port. Situated near the entrance to the Strait of Malacca—one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes—the port lies around 100 miles from India's upcoming Great Nicobar Port project. The collaboration is expected to strengthen maritime connectivity, improve logistics and enhance the strategic presence of both countries in the eastern Indian Ocean.

The proposed development of Sabang Port is viewed as an important step in advancing India's Act East Policy and Vision MAHASAGAR while reinforcing Indonesia's role as a key maritime partner in Southeast Asia. The project is also expected to facilitate trade, improve regional connectivity and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

India and Indonesia have steadily expanded their strategic partnership in recent years through increased defence exercises, naval cooperation, trade and investment. Bilateral commerce has witnessed consistent growth, while both countries have worked closely within regional forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the East Asia Summit and the G20. Their cooperation has gained additional significance amid increasing geopolitical competition and efforts to build secure and diversified supply chains.

Following the successful conclusion of his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Modi departed for Australia, where he is expected to hold high-level engagements aimed at further strengthening India's strategic partnership with Canberra. The next leg of his tour is likely to focus on expanding cooperation in defence, clean energy, technology, critical minerals and regional security, reflecting India's broader efforts to deepen ties with key partners across the Indo-Pacific.

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