Prabowo and Modi Agree to Expand Strategic Cooperation

President Prabowo Subianto and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have agreed to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through expanded cooperation across various sectors. The agreement, reached during a bilateral meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, covers the fields of politics, security, economy, and education and technology. Prabowo stated that the discussions with PM Modi were intensive and productive, with a focus on long-term interests for both nations. In the political and security fields, the two countries agreed to increase the intensity of high-level visits and expand inter-agency cooperation, including through the newly formed Parliamentary Friendship Group. Security cooperation will also be enhanced through the convening of the 3rd India-Indonesia Security Dialogue to address transnational security challenges and combat transnational crime. Regarding connectivity, President Prabowo expressed support for port development in India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as the development of Sabang Port in Aceh. These two points are expected to become strategic hubs that strengthen regional integration between Indonesia and India. The economic sector was a primary focus, with both leaders targeting an increase in the value of bilateral trade through the acceleration of discussions on the Indonesia-India Preferential Trade Agreement. In the financial sector, the two leaders welcomed progress on a cross-border QR payment linkage to enhance transaction efficiency. Energy cooperation will also be strengthened, including the development of solar power plants and technology exchange, alongside capacity building in nuclear technology. In the health sector, collaboration will focus on enhancing the capacity of medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses. The long-standing historical ties between the two countries will be further cemented through the designation of 2026-2027 as the Tagore-Dewantara Year. Indonesia also welcomed India’s plan to participate in the restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In education, the leaders supported the plan to establish a campus of the Indian Institute of Management in Indonesia and opened opportunities for the presence of the Indian Institute of Technology. Prabowo concluded that he is confident these agreements can be implemented promptly to deliver tangible benefits to the people of both nations.