Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia is expected to give a fresh push to bilateral ties, particularly in the defence sector, with the BrahMos missile deal likely to witness significant progress.
In an exclusive telephonic interview with News18 India, India’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, said discussions on the BrahMos acquisition have reached an advanced stage and expressed hope that the visit would bring “good news” on the issue.
“This is Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Indonesia and his second bilateral visit since 2018. He has a packed two-day schedule and will hold extensive talks with the Indonesian President. We expect several concrete outcomes from the visit,” the Ambassador said.
According to him, the
leaders will focus on key areas including defence cooperation and maritime security, trade and investment, critical minerals, education and healthcare, and people-to-people ties.
Several agreements are expected to be signed during the visit, further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.
‘Hopeful of a positive outcome’
On the BrahMos missile deal, Ambassador Chakravorty said the issue will be discussed and that negotiations have already reached an advanced stage. “We are hopeful of a positive outcome and expect good news,” he said.
The Ambassador also indicated that cooperation in the critical minerals sector is likely to receive a major boost. While acknowledging China’s significant presence in Indonesia’s critical minerals industry, he said Indonesia’s foreign policy is open to partnerships with all countries and that an announcement on critical minerals is also expected during the Prime Minister’s visit.
Speaking about the Indian diaspora event, the Ambassador said that although the Indian community in Indonesia is smaller than in Australia, its enthusiasm is equally strong. Around 4,000 members of the Indian community are expected to welcome Prime Minister Modi at the event scheduled for 7:00 pm local time on July 7 (5:30 pm IST).
The visit is expected to deliver important outcomes across defence, trade, critical minerals and strategic cooperation, adding fresh momentum to the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
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