Op Sindoor Effect: Indonesia Signs BrahMos, Astra Deals As India Expands Strategic Footprint

India

and Indonesia on Tuesday signed landmark agreements for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and ASTRA beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. The deal comes following the weapon's success during Operation Sindoor and similar BrahMos pacts with Vietnam and the Philippines. The exact number of missiles to be supplied to Indonesia is not immediately known.BrahMos is an India-Russia joint venture missile manufacturer, and Indonesia's defence ministry signed a contract for the BrahMos missile defence system, according to the Indonesian presidential palace, reported Reuters.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the BrahMos Missile deal "demonstrates the capability of the Indian defence industry, strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat and boosts indigenous defence manufacturing; and promotes innovation, global competitiveness and exports." The Air-to-Air Missile Cooperation Agreement boosts "India's defence exports and Make-in-India for the world; enhances technology collaboration and defence capabilities and strengthens India's indigenous missile development ecosystem." It was widely reported that India would supply the BrahMos cruise missile system and the Astra air-to-air missile to Indonesia. Neither leader mentioned the BrahMos deal in their remarks.Separately, Indonesia's Republikorp, a defence private holding company, and India-based defence company Bharat Dynamics signed an agreement on air-to-air missiles, the palace announced.India and Indonesia reached an agreement to enhance defence exchanges, disaster management, and industrial cooperation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.Critical Mineral To strengthen the critical mineral supply chain, India decided to invest in the manufacturing of steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia. "In today's era, the supply chain resilience of technology holds great significance. An important agreement was reached to further strengthen the supply chain in the sectors of critical minerals and steel," PM Modi said."A new beginning is being made in partnerships between our companies regarding stainless steel and rare-earth magnets," he said.Sabang Port India and Indonesia also agreed to jointly develop the strategically-located Sabang port which overlooks the Strait of Malacca and is 100 miles away from India’s Great Nicobar port project.The two sides also announced a strategic joint venture between Steel Authority of India Ltd. and Krakatau Steel, along with pacts on mining technology and maritime security.

PM Modi Conferred with Indonesia's Highest Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred with Indonesia's highest honour 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' medal for his role in strengthening the ties between both the countries. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presented the medal to Modi."This morning, I have also been conferred with Indonesia's highest honour with immense affection. This honour belongs to the crores of Indians... it belongs to the sentiments of the people of Indonesia, to the historic and intimate ties between India and Indonesia," Prime Minister's Office posted on X."I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Prabowo Ji, the Government of Indonesia, and the people here: PM @narendramodi," the post said.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the award is a "tribute to the India-Indonesia friendship."PM Modi is set to leave for Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday.