JAKARTA, July 6 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday arrived in Indonesia for the first leg of his three-nation tour, aimed at further strengthening India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and its commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
In a special gesture, PM Modi was received at the airport by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. In addition, four ministers were also present to receive the Prime Minister, who was accorded a traditional ceremonial welcome and a Guard of Honour.
"Landed in Jakarta. I'm touched by President Prabowo Subianto's gesture of welcoming me at the airport," Modi said in a social media post.
This is PM Modi's first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
Modi said he will hold discussions with President Subianto "aimed at adding even more momentum to this partnership across diverse sectors."
PM Modi's visit to Indonesia is likely to go beyond efforts to revive bilateral trade, with both countries likely to focus on building a broader strategic economic partnership spanning investment, critical minerals, manufacturing, digital connectivity and maritime cooperation.
The visit comes at a time when bilateral merchandise trade has softened. According to a Rubix Data Sciences trade outlook report, goods trade between India and Indonesia declined from USD 38.8 billion in FY2023 to USD 24.8 billion in FY2026, reflecting weaker export and import demand. However, analysts believe the slowdown is unlikely to overshadow the long-term strategic importance of the relationship.
Bilateral discussions are expected to focus on creating resilient supply chains and expanding cooperation in sectors that are increasingly critical to both economies.
Indonesia is among the world's leading producers of nickel, a key raw material used in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, making it an important partner for India's clean energy and mobility ambitions. Alongside critical minerals, both countries are expected to explore collaboration in renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics and industrial value chains.
"President Prabowo and I will visit the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta. This will ensure closer cultural linkages between our nations. While in Indonesia, I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community," he added.
The centuries-old temple, located approximately 17 kilometres northeast of Yogyakarta city, is considered Indonesia's largest Hindu temple.
Ahead of his departure from Delhi, Modi said his visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand will further strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision as well as "our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific."
MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, is India's vision of security and growth for all regions.
Modi's visit comes after President Prabowo's state visit to India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025.
"India and Indonesia share strong civilisational and people-to-people ties, and my visit will further deepen all aspects of our multifaceted partnership," he said.
From Indonesia, Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The final leg of the tour will take him to Auckland at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.