Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Indonesia in an effort to bolster India’s strategic, economic, and maritime collaborations with this key Indo-Pacific partner. As two of the largest democracies in the region and fellow G20 members, India and Indonesia aim to enhance their cooperation across various sectors such as trade, technology, digital governance, healthcare, defense, and maritime security.
This visit comes on the heels of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s journey to India in January 2025. During that trip, the two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations and inked several agreements in health, digital cooperation, maritime security, and cultural exchanges. Despite their shared history and interests, the bilateral trade between the nations currently stands at approximately $30 billion. Both countries see significant untapped economic potential and are eager to expand this figure.
India is particularly interested in increasing its investments in Indonesia, focusing on sectors like critical minerals, manufacturing, renewable energy, and food security. Digital collaboration is expected to be a major area of focus during Modi’s visit, with Indonesia expressing interest in India’s advancements in Digital Public Infrastructure and digital commerce. The two countries are also exploring partnerships in cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, digital payments, and support for small businesses.
Maritime security remains a pivotal concern, with intentions to strengthen cooperation within the Strait of Malacca, enhance naval collaboration, and improve maritime domain awareness. There is also a push to expand defense-industrial partnerships, particularly as Indonesia seeks to diversify its defense suppliers, presenting new opportunities for India’s defense sector.
Additionally, the visit aims to foster stronger people-to-people ties through academic, business, and cultural exchanges. These efforts are poised to build a more comprehensive and enduring relationship between India and Indonesia, paving the way for sustained cooperation across multiple fronts.