PM Modi receives Indonesia's Bintang Adipurna, highest state honour
Synopsis
Indonesia conferred its highest state honour — the Bintang Adipurna, instituted in 1959 — on PM Modi in Jakarta, as the two nations also agreed to expand cooperation into AI, space, and digital public infrastructure. The visit signals a strategic deepening of India-Indonesia ties well beyond trade, with the Indo-Pacific's two largest maritime democracies now eyeing a technology-forward partnership.
Key Takeaways
PM Modi received the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia — the country's highest honour — from President Prabowo Subianto on 7 July in Jakarta .
The Bintang Adipurna , instituted in 1959 , recognises extraordinary service and is Indonesia's most prestigious civilian and military medal.
Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India, calling it a tribute to 'historic and deeply-rooted ties' between the two nations.
Bilateral talks at Istana Merdeka covered trade, agriculture, food security, healthcare, defence, security , and maritime cooperation .
Both leaders agreed to collaborate on space, AI, telecommunications , and digital public infrastructure .
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, 7 July received the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia — the country's highest civilian and military honour — conferred by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. Modi dedicated the award to the people of India, calling it a reflection of the 'historic and deeply-rooted ties' between the two nations.
The Award and What It Signifies
The Bintang Adipurna, instituted in 1959, is Indonesia's most prestigious state honour, recognising extraordinary service to the Southeast Asian republic. The conferral adds to a growing list of highest national honours that Modi has received from foreign governments in recent years.
In a post on X, Modi wrote: 'I accept the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia with great humility. This honour belongs to the people of India. It reflects the warmth and affection of the people of Indonesia. It is also a tribute to the historic and deeply-rooted ties between India and Indonesia. I sincerely thank President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia and the people of Indonesia for this special honour.'
Bilateral Talks at Istana Merdeka
Separately, Modi held bilateral discussions with President Subianto at the Istana Merdeka presidential palace in Jakarta. The talks spanned trade, human development, agriculture, food security, healthcare, defence, security, and maritime cooperation — a broad agenda reflecting the expanding scope of the India-Indonesia partnership.
As two of the Indo-Pacific's largest maritime nations, defence and security cooperation featured prominently. Modi described the discussions as 'productive' and noted that India-Indonesia relations have 'acquired new momentum and greater depth' over recent years.
Focus on Emerging Technologies
Both leaders agreed to deepen collaboration in space, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, and other emerging technologies. Modi said the two nations 'must work closely' in these forward-looking sectors, signalling a strategic pivot beyond traditional trade and defence ties.
This comes amid India's broader push to strengthen bilateral partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, where Indonesia — the world's largest archipelago nation — holds considerable strategic and economic weight. The visit underscores New Delhi's 'Act East' policy in action.
What Comes Next
No specific timelines or agreements were publicly detailed following the meeting, but the breadth of sectors discussed suggests follow-on working-group engagements are likely. Observers will watch whether the technology and maritime cooperation commitments translate into formal frameworks in the months ahead.
Point of View
But the more consequential signal from Jakarta is the technology agenda — space, AI, and digital public infrastructure are not traditional India-Indonesia talking points. That both leaders foregrounded emerging tech alongside the usual defence and trade items suggests New Delhi is actively repositioning the relationship for a post-trade-corridor world. Indonesia is the Indo-Pacific's swing state: large economy, Muslim-majority democracy, non-aligned instincts. India's sustained courtship of Jakarta, punctuated by high-visibility honours, is as much about the regional balance of influence as it is about bilateral commerce. The test will be whether the broad agenda agreed at Istana Merdeka produces binding frameworks or remains aspirational.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bintang Adipurna awarded to PM Modi?
The Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia is the country's highest civilian and military honour, instituted in 1959, recognising extraordinary service. It was conferred on Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta on 7 July.
What did PM Modi say about receiving the Bintang Adipurna?
Modi accepted the honour 'with great humility', saying it belonged to the people of India and reflected the warmth of the Indonesian people. He described it as a tribute to the 'historic and deeply-rooted ties' between the two nations.
What was discussed during Modi's bilateral talks with President Subianto?
The talks at Istana Merdeka covered trade, human development, agriculture, food security, healthcare, defence, security, and maritime cooperation. Both leaders also agreed to work together on space, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure.
Why is the India-Indonesia partnership significant for the Indo-Pacific?
India and Indonesia are two of the Indo-Pacific's largest maritime nations, giving their bilateral cooperation strategic weight beyond trade. Deepened defence and maritime ties between the two countries contributes to regional stability in a contested geopolitical environment.
Is this the first major international honour for PM Modi?
No. The Bintang Adipurna is the latest in a growing list of highest national honours conferred on Modi by foreign governments. The award adds to recognitions he has received from several countries in recent years.
