Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka in Jakarta on Tuesday, 7 July, covering the full breadth of the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reaffirming both nations' commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

What the Leaders Discussed

According to the MEA, the two leaders reviewed cooperation spanning trade and investment, defence and security, maritime cooperation, energy, healthcare and pharma, space, critical minerals and rare earths, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed issues of global and multilateral interest, with both sides reiterating shared priorities on regional stability.

'Both leaders also discussed issues of global and multilateral interest and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,' the MEA said in a post on X following the meeting.

Key Bilateral Agreements Signed

The two sides witnessed the exchange of several bilateral documents covering maritime safety and security, space cooperation, defence, steel supply chain, rare earths, health, agriculture, and science and technology, among other sectors. The MEA noted that 'these agreements will strengthen bilateral cooperation across key sectors and contribute to further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.'

Notably, rare earths and critical minerals feature prominently — a reflection of the global scramble for supply-chain resilience as major economies seek alternatives to Chinese dominance in these materials.

Indonesia's Highest Honour Conferred on PM Modi

In a significant gesture, President Subianto conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia' — the country's highest civilian and military medal of honour. Instituted in 1959, the award recognises extraordinary service to the Southeast Asian nation.

The MEA said the honour was awarded 'in recognition of the PM's leadership in strengthening India-Indonesia friendship and furthering unity, continuity, and prosperity of Indonesia.' Prime Minister Modi dedicated the award to the people of India and to the enduring bonds of friendship between the two countries. This marks another addition to the growing list of international honours bestowed on the Prime Minister.

A Ceremonial Welcome in Jakarta

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi received an unprecedented ceremonial welcome as he arrived at the Istana Merdeka. Schoolchildren lined the road holding the national flags of both India and Indonesia, and President Subianto greeted him warmly, with the two leaders sharing a hug before the national anthems of both countries were played.

'Thank you for the warm welcome at the Istana Merdeka! President Prabowo Subianto,' Modi posted on X.

Significance of the Visit

This is Prime Minister Modi's fourth visit to Indonesia but his first bilateral visit since bilateral ties were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The upgrade in the relationship's formal designation sets a higher baseline for cooperation and signals intent to institutionalise engagement across strategic domains. This comes amid broader efforts by India to deepen its footprint in Southeast Asia under its Act East Policy, with Indonesia — the world's largest archipelagic nation and a key ASEAN voice — emerging as a pivotal partner.