PM Modi receives grand welcome in Indonesia; defence, food security talks on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand ceremonial welcome in Indonesia on Tuesday as he began the first leg of his three-nation tour, aimed at strengthening India’s strategic and economic ties in the Indo-Pacific.

Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday to a warm reception, with Indonesian Air Force fighter jets escorting his aircraft into the country’s airspace. He was personally welcomed at the airport by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and greeted with a traditional cultural performance.

The visit, Modi’s fourth to Indonesia, comes at the personal invitation of President Prabowo. The two leaders are expected to hold wide-ranging talks on bilateral cooperation, including defence, maritime security, food security and regional issues.

Key agreements on agenda

According to India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, both sides are expected to discuss agreements covering health, pharmaceuticals, space cooperation and food security.

India and Indonesia are also working towards finalising understandings related to the BrahMos missile programme, maritime domain awareness and anti-piracy cooperation.

In his departure statement, Modi said the visit reinforces India’s Act East Policy, the MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions) vision, and New Delhi’s commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

After Indonesia, Modi will travel to Australia from July 8-10, before concluding his tour with a visit to New Zealand from July 10-11.