Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Indonesia with the aim of strengthening India’s strategic, economic, and maritime ties with this key partner in the Indo-Pacific region. As two of the largest democracies within the Indo-Pacific framework and active G20 members, India and Indonesia are keen to broaden their cooperation across multiple sectors. This visit comes on the heels of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India in January 2025, which celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations and resulted in agreements on health, digital cooperation, maritime security, and cultural exchanges.
Despite their robust historical connections and aligned interests, India and Indonesia’s trade relationship has been relatively modest, hovering around $30 billion. Both nations are eager to tap into greater economic potential, with India particularly interested in boosting investments in Indonesia. Key areas of focus include critical minerals, manufacturing, renewable energy, and food security, all integral to enhancing bilateral economic engagement.
Digital cooperation is anticipated to be a significant agenda item during Modi’s visit, as Indonesia expresses interest in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure and digital commerce frameworks. Further exploration of partnerships in artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, digital payments, and support for small businesses is expected, reflecting both countries’ commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and governance.
Enhancing maritime security remains a priority for both nations, with plans to bolster collaboration in the strategically vital Strait of Malacca. This includes efforts to improve naval cooperation, enhance maritime domain awareness, and expand defence-industrial partnerships. Indonesia’s strategy to diversify its defence suppliers presents new opportunities for India’s defence sector to engage more deeply with its Indonesian counterpart.
The visit is also poised to foster increased people-to-people interactions through fortified academic, business, and cultural partnerships. These initiatives are intended to build a more comprehensive, enduring relationship between India and Indonesia, underscoring the visit’s broader objective of not only reinforcing governmental ties but also nurturing connections at various levels of society.