Indonesia to procure India's Astra Mk-1 missiles, bolster BrahMos arsenal

Indonesia has decided to procure India's Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and expand its inventory of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles in a major boost to bilateral defence ties.

With this, Indonesia is set to become the first foreign customer for the indigenously developed Astra Mk-1 missile following the weapon's reported success during Operation Sindoor.

India will also support the integration of the Astra missiles with the Indonesian Air Force's Su-30 fighter aircraft.

Indonesia is also looking to induct additional BrahMos missile batteries.

The defence initiatives figured prominently as Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held wide-ranging talks on Tuesday and signed nearly a dozen agreements to expand cooperation in areas including critical minerals, technology, food security, pharmaceuticals and maritime security.

To strengthen the critical mineral supply chain, India decided to invest in the manufacturing of steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia.

The two countries also agreed to jointly develop the strategically located Sabang port, overlooking the Strait of Malacca and located around 100 miles from India's Great Nicobar port project.

"The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership we forged in 2018 is taking a new flight today. We are taking important steps forward in every sector -- development, security, technology, culture and education," Modi said in his media statement after the talks.

"I am confident that a golden chapter of India-Indonesia partnership begins today," he said.

Modi said growing trust between the two countries was strengthening bilateral defence, security and maritime cooperation.

He said India and Indonesia had agreed to enhance defence exchanges, disaster management and defence industrial cooperation.

The prime minister also announced that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will establish a campus in Indonesia.

"We are delighted that India's UPI is set to integrate with Indonesia's payment system. This will boost both ease of doing business and ease of travel," Modi said.

The two leaders also discussed regional and global developments, including the situation in West Asia.

"In this era of global turmoil, India believes that the role of dialogue and diplomacy has become more important than ever before," Modi said.

"On the issue of Palestine, we support the Two-State Solution and long-term peace," he added.

Earlier in the day, Modi was conferred with Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, by President Prabowo Subianto.

The award recognises individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the unity, continuity and prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia.