India-Indonesia Strategic Visit Prioritises BrahMos Missile Expansion and Deepening Defence Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jakarta on 6 July 2026 for a three-day state visit, the first bilateral trip to Indonesia since the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership was signed in 2018. Alongside President Prabowo Subianto, Modi will finalise memoranda on health, space, pharmaceuticals and food security, while defence talks centre on expanding Indonesia’s purchase of the BrahMos supersonic cruise-missile system beyond the single coastal-defence battery agreed in March 2025.

Indonesia Eyes More Than Single Brahmos Missile Battery from India with Phased Induction ApproachThe Straits TimesFrom Sukarno to Prabowo: India–Indonesia ties move from shared history to strategic partnershipFrom naval exercises to defence industry, India-Indonesia ties gather momentumIndonesia looks to expand BrahMos deal with India — The Indian PanoramaDefence and Digital Cooperation Power India-Indonesia Ties

India and Indonesia share over two millennia of cultural exchange, formal diplomatic relations since 1950, and joint initiatives such as the 1955 Bandung Conference. The 2018 Jakarta visit cemented a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, under which defence cooperation has grown through regular joint exercises, the India-Indonesia Joint Commission and the Defence Ministers’ Dialogue.

From naval exercises to defence industry, India-Indonesia ties gather momentumFrom Sukarno to Prabowo: India–Indonesia ties move from shared history to strategic partnershipDefence and Digital Cooperation Power India-Indonesia TiesIndonesia Eyes More Than Single Brahmos Missile Battery from India with Phased Induction ApproachThe Straits TimesIndonesia looks to expand BrahMos deal with India — The Indian Panorama

Participants include Modi, President Prabowo, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty. The talks follow a November 2024 G20 encounter, a January 2025 Republic Day visit and a March 2025 preliminary agreement for one BrahMos battery valued at $200-$350 million. Jakarta now seeks more than the single battery, though exact quantities and pricing are undisclosed. India’s defence exports totalled over INR38,400 crore, with BrahMos a major component. Both sides are drafting a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee and reviewing financing options with Indonesian banks.

Indonesia Eyes More Than Single Brahmos Missile Battery from India with Phased Induction Approach

Deploying additional BrahMos batteries would strengthen Indonesia’s maritime deterrence across the Natuna, Malacca, Sunda and Lombok straits, extending a “BrahMos belt” that already includes the Philippines and Vietnam. The expansion aligns with both capitals’ intent to diversify security partners amid evolving U.S.–China relations.

Indonesia Eyes More Than Single Brahmos Missile Battery from India with Phased Induction Approach

Ambassador Chakravorty said the talks are progressing and outcomes are expected despite possible delays. Rajiv Bhatia noted the leaders aim for a closer, more aligned worldview after recent global conflicts.

The Straits Times

Sources differ on the total cost of the expanded order, citing $200-$350 million for the initial battery but providing no figure for the proposed additional batteries; financing terms and delivery schedules remain unspecified.

Indonesia looks to expand BrahMos deal with India — The Indian Panorama

• “Some are in process, some will be finalised in time, some may get delayed but there will still be outcomes related to the visit,” — Sandeep Chakravorty, Indian Ambassador to Indonesia

The Straits Times

• “The two leaders are expected to achieve a closer, more aligned worldview, especially in the aftermath of the wars in Ukraine and the Gulf and amid the emerging entente cordiale between the U.S. and China,” — Rajiv Bhatia, Jakarta Post

The Straits Times

The parties aim to sign an expanded BrahMos MoU before the visit concludes, institutionalise the Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee, and finalise financing arrangements with Indonesian banks. Follow-up defence dialogues are slated for late 2026.

Indonesia Eyes More Than Single Brahmos Missile Battery from India with Phased Induction Approach