India & Indonesia sign BrahMos deal, expand defence ties as PM Modi receives 'Bintang Adipurna' honour

India and Indonesia signed a broad set of agreements aimed at expanding cooperation across defence, trade, technology, healthcare and cultural ties.

The two sides extended their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation and signed a defence contract for Indonesia's acquisition of the BrahMos missile system, alongside an air-to-air missile cooperation agreement between Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Republikorp.

They also signed MoUs on disaster management, agriculture, telecommunications, medical product regulation, research and innovation, election management, and health workforce collaboration. In the economic sector, both countries agreed to deepen cooperation in minerals and steel supply chains, including a strategic joint venture between the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) and PT Krakatau Steel, as well as partnerships involving the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC).

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The two nations also strengthened educational and cultural links through an MoU between IIM Bangalore and PT Intelligentsia Grahatama, and a Letter of Intent for the conservation and restoration of Indonesia's historic Prambanan Temple Complex.

A rare honour for PM Modi in Jakarta

In addition to the deals inked, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto officially conferred his nation's highest civilian honour, the ’Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ (Star of Indonesia), upon Prime Minister Modi.

The honour was conferred during a state ceremony at Indonesia's Presidential Palace in Jakarta, making it one of the biggest moments of PM Modi's ongoing three-nation visit.

President Prabowo stated that the decoration reflects India’s pivotal role as a stabilising force in the Indo-Pacific and honours PM Modi’s personal leadership in transforming bilateral relations.

"This is the highest accolade our republic can bestow, and it stands as a testament to the profound civilisational bonds and the unbreakable strategic trust between Indonesia and India," President Prabowo announced to an audience of top military officials and international diplomats.

A hero's welcome in Jakarta

When PM Modi's aircraft entered Indonesian airspace, it was met with a ceremonial escort of Indonesian Air Force F-16 and Sukhoi fighter jets. Breaking with standard protocol, President Prabowo personally stood at the base of the aircraft stairs to welcome PM Modi with a warm embrace, accompanied by a booming six-cannon salvo.

The formal proceedings at the Presidential Palace featured horse-mounted guards, a full military Guard of Honour, and traditional cultural presentations celebrating the nations' shared Vedic and Buddhist heritage.

Accepting the star-shaped medal, PM Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India.

"This honour belongs to the crores of Indians; it reflects the sentiments of the people of Indonesia and the historic, deep-rooted bonds between our two nations. I extend my heartfelt thanks to President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia, and the people here." PM Modi stated.

Following the conclusion of his Jakarta itinerary, which includes a state visit to the historic Prambanan Hindu temple complex in Yogyakarta, PM Modi is scheduled to depart for Melbourne to meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.