In a big endorsement of India's election management model, India will support the development of Indonesia-specific Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), sources told ET Bureau , as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on Tuesday, with the two sides set to expand cooperation across defence, critical minerals and maritime infrastructure.
After the proven success of India's air-to-air missile power during Operation Sindoor, Indonesia has decided to import Indian Astra missiles, sources said. Separately, Indonesia is also expanding its existing BrahMos inventory, with India set to supply additional missile batteries to Jakarta, according to sources.
Also read: PM Modi accorded Guard of Honour in Jakarta ahead of crucial bilateral talks
To strengthen the critical mineral supply chain, India will invest in the manufacturing of steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia, sources said, a move aimed at bolstering supply chain security for both countries.
India and Indonesia are also set to jointly develop Sabang port, which overlooks the Strait of Malacca and lies roughly 100 miles from India's Great Nicobar port project, sources added.
The developments came as PM Modi received a ceremonial Guard of Honour in Jakarta on Tuesday, in the presence of President Prabowo, who personally led the reception. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Prabowo Subianto shared a warm hug before the two leaders proceeded to bilateral discussions.
Also read: India-Indonesia set to sign major defence deals, expand bilateral ties
Modi had landed in Indonesia on Monday to launch his three-nation diplomatic visit, with his arrival marked by military aircraft escorting the Prime Minister's plane as it entered Indonesian airspace, where he was formally received at the airport by President Prabowo and greeted with a traditional cultural dance performance.
The official visit to Indonesia, running from July 6 to 8 at the personal invitation of President Prabowo, marks Modi's fourth journey to the Southeast Asian country and signifies the inaugural bilateral visit between the two nations since they formally elevated their diplomatic relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.
