India, Indonesia sign $630M defence pact, BrahMos missiles

India and Indonesia have signed a landmark defense and strategic partnership agreement, significantly expanding military and economic cooperation between the two nations. The agreements, finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Jakarta, include the supply of Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles to Indonesia.

The deal, estimated to be worth up to $630 million, makes Indonesia the third ASEAN nation, after the Philippines and Vietnam, to integrate the BrahMos system into its defense architecture. Officials stated that Indonesia has upgraded its initial intent from a single battery to a two-battery setup. The agreement also marks the first major international export for India’s indigenous Astra missile system.

Beyond defense hardware, the two countries established a comprehensive framework for maritime safety and security cooperation. A pivotal outcome is an agreement to jointly develop the strategically located Sabang Port on Weh Island, which overlooks the northern entrance to the Strait of Malacca. This project is seen as complementary to India’s own port initiative on Great Nicobar Island.