India and Indonesia signed several important agreements on Tuesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia. In this the biggest deal was done in the field of defence. Earlier, PM Modi was warmly welcomed in Indonesia. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto honored PM Modi with his highest honor ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ medal. After this, many important agreements were exchanged between the two countries in the presence of PM Modi and the President of Indonesia.
In a significant milestone in the defense and strategic cooperation between India and Indonesia, the two countries on Tuesday signed historic agreements for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Along with this, many important deals like Indian assistance in electronic voting machine (EVM) manufacturing and integration of UPI payment system are also included.
Bilateral talks between PM Modi and President of Indonesia
The deal was announced after high-level bilateral talks between PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Istana Merdeka in Jakarta. The missile deals are part of a series of strategic agreements aimed at deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two maritime neighbours. The two countries also finalized a framework on maritime security. Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi described the day as the beginning of a “golden chapter” in bilateral relations.
What did PM Modi say on India-Indonesia relations?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Our comprehensive strategic partnership formed in 2018 is taking a new flight today. We are taking important steps in every field – development, security, technology, culture and education. I am confident, from today onwards a golden chapter of India-Indonesia partnership will begin. The growing trust between our countries is strengthening our defence, security and maritime cooperation. Today we agreed to increase defense exchanges, disaster management and industrial cooperation.”
ISRO will help Indonesia in the field of space
PM Modi confirmed that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will help in the exploration of outer space for peaceful purposes and in building the capacity of Indonesia’s space sector. India and Indonesia established formal defense relations in 1951, while a defense cooperation agreement was signed in 2001 and renewed in 2006.
Indonesia became a fan of EVM system
At the same time, Indonesia praised India’s EVM system and said that it has become its fan. Now India will help Indonesia in manufacturing special EVMs in its country. Apart from this, India’s UPI service will soon be linked to Indonesia’s payment system, which will make digital transactions between the two countries easier. Addressing a joint press conference, PM Modi described the day as the beginning of a “golden chapter” in India-Indonesia bilateral relations.