India and Indonesia have reached a defence agreement involving the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system, marking a significant step in strengthening strategic and military cooperation between the two countries.
Jakarta, Indonesia – Web Desk: According to international media reports, the agreement was announced by Indonesia’s Presidential Palace following talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during Modi’s two-day official visit to Jakarta.
Under the agreement, BrahMos Aerospace and Indonesia’s Ministry of Defence signed a contract related to the BrahMos missile defence system. While financial and operational details were not disclosed, reports indicate that India will also supply Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia as part of the broader defence partnership.
The development follows earlier discussions in 2023, when BrahMos Aerospace confirmed negotiations with Indonesia on a potential deal valued between $200 million and $350 million. India has previously signed BrahMos missile export agreements with the Philippines and Vietnam.
In a separate development, Indonesia’s defence company Republikorp and India’s Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) signed an agreement on cooperation related to air-to-air missile systems.
Beyond defence, both countries signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at strengthening supply chains in critical minerals, steel, and agriculture.
The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and Indonesia’s Krakatau Steel also agreed to establish a joint venture to manufacture stainless steel slabs in Indonesia.
Speaking after the meeting, President Prabowo Subianto described India and Indonesia as two of the world’s largest democracies, expressing confidence that stronger bilateral cooperation would benefit the Indo-Pacific region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said both countries would work closely to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean and accelerate negotiations on a preferential trade agreement.
Although the defence agreement was confirmed by Indonesian officials, neither leader directly mentioned the BrahMos deal during their joint press statements.
