India and Indonesia are lining up a high-impact package spanning EVM technology, Astra missile imports, expanded BrahMos coastal batteries, critical minerals manufacturing and a joint Sabang port plan, signalling a sharper Indo-Pacific security and supply-chain play. The moves position India as a defence exporter and technology partner, while helping Jakarta deepen deterrence and connectivity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a ceremonial welcome in Jakarta before talks with President Prabowo Subianto at the Istana Merdeka. According to sources, the discussions targeted outcomes across defence, technology, critical minerals and strategic connectivity under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Defence deals reshape regional deterrence
Jakarta has decided to import India’s indigenous Astra air-to-air missiles, following the demonstrated effectiveness of India’s missile capabilities during Operation Sindoor, sources said. The Astra BVRAAM buy cements India’s emergence in a tightly contested missile export market and gives Indonesia an indigenous, combat-proven option.
Separately, Indonesia is set to expand its BrahMos missile inventory, with India expected to provide additional coastal defence batteries, according to sources. For Jakarta, the package tightens maritime security across key sea lanes. For New Delhi, it underlines a maturing defence production ecosystem and repeat-customer credibility.
Ports and sea lanes: Sabang plan gains traction
The two countries are expected to jointly develop the Sabang port overlooking the Strait of Malacca. The chokepoint carries around 22% of global trade and nearly 29% of seaborne oil, making port access strategically invaluable.
Sabang lies around 100 miles from India’s Great Nicobar port project, creating a natural logistics bridge between partners on either flank of the eastern Indian Ocean. A joint build would enhance maritime connectivity and reinforce India-Indonesia cooperation amid growing competition in the region.
Tech and elections: India-backed EVMs for Indonesia
In a notable endorsement of India’s election management model, New Delhi will support the development of Indonesia-specific Electronic Voting Machines, sources said. Rather than a simple hardware export, the collaboration points to co-developing systems suited to Indonesia’s requirements.
For India, it showcases a governance technology exported at scale. For Indonesia, it offers a pathway to resilient, verifiable voting infrastructure built on a proven template.
Critical minerals manufacturing push
To strengthen resilient critical mineral supply chains, India will invest in manufacturing steel, nickel and rare earth permanent magnets in Indonesia, sources said. The plan aims to serve strategic and industrial priorities for both countries.
These inputs feed sectors from electric mobility and clean energy to electronics and defence manufacturing. By localising production in Indonesia, the partners reduce exposure to vulnerable global sources while building capacity where raw materials and industrial policy align.
Diplomatic optics and next steps
Modi’s arrival for a multi-country tour featured a Guard of Honour and cultural reception in Jakarta, underscoring the political weight behind the agenda. Beyond ceremony, the deliverables speak to a clear logic: blended security, technology and industrial ties that make both nations harder to coerce and quicker to respond.
Here are the immediate signposts to track as outcomes move to execution:
– Contract milestones for Astra procurement
– Deployment plan for new BrahMos coastal batteries
– Sabang port development roadmap and timelines
– EVM customisation, testing and rollout strategy
– Terms for steel, nickel and magnet manufacturing
If finalised as signalled by sources, the package would deepen India’s role as a trusted security and technology partner, while giving Indonesia credible tools to safeguard its waters and modernise democratic and industrial infrastructure. The strategic bet is simple: build together, secure together, and compete better in the Indo-Pacific.
