India to Develop Indonesia's EVMs, Export Astra Missiles

In a big endorsement of India's election management model, India will support development of Indonesia-specific EVMs.

After the proven success of India's air-to-air missile power in Operation Sindoor, Indonesia has decided to import Indian Astra missiles, sources familiar with the matter revealed.

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

Indonesia is expanding its BrahMos inventory, with India set to support the country with more missile batteries.

India and Indonesia are also set to jointly develop Sabang Port, which overlooks the Strait of Malacca and is about 100 miles from India's Great Nicobar port project, according to the sources.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed the guestbook upon meeting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Istana Merdeka (Presidential Palace).

Both leaders were seen shaking hands and exchanging cordial smiles.

PM Modi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in Jakarta, marking the commencement of his official state visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties and strengthening strategic cooperation between the two nations.

"Prime Minister @narendramodi was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome at the Istana Merdeka, the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The visit marks a significant step in advancing the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, opening new avenues for cooperation across priority sectors while reinforcing the deep trust, shared values and enduring friendship that bind the two countries," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a post on X.

PM Modi also thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for the welcome, saying, "Thank you for the warm welcome at the Istana Merdeka."

The Prime Minister arrived in Indonesia on Monday, launching the opening leg of his three-nation diplomatic visit with a ceremonial reception that included an escort by Indonesian Air Force fighter jets and a personal welcome from President Prabowo at the airport.

Military fighter jets escorted the Prime Minister's aircraft as it entered Indonesian airspace before he was formally received by President Prabowo and greeted with a traditional cultural dance performance.

The visit, taking place from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo, marks PM Modi's fourth visit to Indonesia and the first bilateral visit since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.

The visit is expected to further strengthen bilateral defence and maritime cooperation. Security ties between New Delhi and Jakarta have grown significantly in recent years through high-level exchanges, joint military exercises, defence industry collaboration, and Indonesia's acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.