NEW DELHI: PM Modi arrived in Jakarta Monday for the first leg of his three-nation tour to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand that he said will further strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and India’s outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific.He was received at the airport by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and ministers. The leaders will have a formal bilateral meeting Tuesday that will be followed by the signing of several MoUs for bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, including trade, defence, food security, critical minerals and maritime security.In defence, the leaders will take note of progress in discussions for supply of supersonic cruise missile BrahMos to Indonesia. In fact, Indian ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty said that both sides hope to conclude certain agreements related to BrahMos during the visit.“India’s defence and security cooperation has seen increased momentum and expanding scope through high-level visits, regular bilateral and multilateral exercises and deeper defence industry cooperation, including the sale of BrahMos. India will also be earmarking slots for Indonesian cadets and officers in NDA which will enhance defence capacity building,” said a source.According to official sources, critical minerals is another key area of cooperation with Indonesia as the southeast Asian country is a dominant force in this sector, commanding roughly 21% of the world’s nickel reserves and ranking among the top global producers of copper, bauxite and tin.Modi and Prabowo will also visit Prambanan Temple Complex, the largest temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva in Indonesia. India is helping Indonesia with the temple restoration work. “India and Indonesia share strong civilisational and people-to-people ties and my visit will further deepen all aspects of our multifaceted partnership,” said Modi, who will also address a diaspora event in the country. India will also be commemorating the centenary of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Indonesia in 2027.After Indonesia, Modi will travel to Australia for a geopolitically significant visit. “It will further cement ties between two QUAD partners who are playing greater roles in the Indo-Pacific, bringing new opportunities and prosperity for people and countries, especially the Small Island Developing States,” said a source on the condition of anonymity.Modi said his visit to Australia will enhance relations in the areas of defence and security, trade and investments, education and mobility and people-to-people ties. In Melbourne, “I will have the opportunity to interact with the Indian diaspora which is an important pillar of our strategic partnership,” he said.
