Jakarta: India and Indonesia have signed a landmark defence agreement for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, marking one of the biggest milestones in bilateral military cooperation. The deal was finalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta, where he held wide-ranging talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on strengthening strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific.
The agreement is valued at approximately $630 million (around ₹5,400 crore) and includes the phased supply of the BrahMos missile system, along with training, maintenance, infrastructure and logistical support. Indonesia also became the first foreign customer for India’s indigenous Astra air-to-air missile, which will be integrated with its Sukhoi fighter aircraft.
Indonesia is now the third country to procure the BrahMos missile after the Philippines and Vietnam, highlighting India’s growing position as a global defence exporter. Jointly developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the BrahMos is among the world’s fastest operational supersonic cruise missiles and can be launched from land, sea and air platforms.
The defence agreement is part of a broader package of bilateral initiatives announced during the summit. India and Indonesia also signed agreements on maritime security, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, food security, port development, cybersecurity, and education, further elevating their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Strategically, the deal is significant as Indonesia sits along the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. Enhanced defence cooperation is expected to strengthen maritime security and improve interoperability between the two countries in the Indo-Pacific, where concerns over regional security and freedom of navigation have grown in recent years.
Prime Minister Modi said the agreement reflects India’s commitment to its Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision. President Prabowo described the new agreements as the beginning of a “golden chapter” in India–Indonesia relations, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The BrahMos agreement is expected to further boost India’s defence exports, strengthen strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia and reinforce New Delhi’s role as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
