New Delhi: India and Indonesia Tuesday significantly expanded their defence and strategic partnership, signing key agreements covering additional procurement of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, cooperation on critical minerals, and the joint development of the strategically located Sabang Port.
The agreements were signed following talks held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Among the most critical outcomes was an agreement on the critical mineral supply chain under which India will invest in manufacturing steel, nickel and rare-earth permanent magnets in Indonesia, a sector where China has established a dominant presence.
ThePrint had earlier reported that Indonesia was looking to procure additional BrahMos missiles from India while New Delhi was exploring joint ventures with Indonesian firms to establish processing facilities for critical minerals, particularly nickel.
Government sources said the two countries had been holding discussions on expanding defence cooperation. While Indonesia signed a contract for one BrahMos battery earlier this year, the latest agreement envisages procurement of additional systems in a phased manner. The two sides also finalised an agreement for the procurement of Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missiles for Indonesia’s fleet of 16 Su-30 fighter aircraft.
Sources explained that this is an overarching agreement for additional Brahmos and Astra missiles. The talks will continue and a formal contract will be inked later.
Under the arrangement, state-run Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which manufactures the Astra missile, will integrate the weapon with the Indonesian Su-30s. The missile is already in operational service with the Indian Air Force. Powered by a solid rocket motor, Astra Mk-1 is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile with an engagement range of about 80-110 km.
India is also developing the longer-range Astra Mk-2, which is expected to have a strike range of around 160 km. Last year, the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Indian Air Force’s proposal to procure the Astra Mk-2, providing the service with a significant boost in air combat capability.
Another major strategic outcome was the agreement to jointly develop the Sabang Port, located at the northern tip of Indonesia’s Sumatra island overlooking the Strait of Malacca and about 160 km from India’s upcoming Great Nicobar trans-shipment port project. Situated near the entrance to the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints through which a significant portion of global trade and energy supplies passes, the port’s location gives it considerable strategic value.
Sources explained that Sabang offers India greater maritime access and presence in the Indo-Pacific. The deep-water port is capable of hosting all classes of naval vessels, including submarines.
India and Indonesia had elevated their ties from a Strategic Partnership to a New Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia in May 2018.
Following that decision, the two countries established a joint task force to develop port-related infrastructure in and around Sabang and improve connectivity between India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Indonesia’s Aceh province and other parts of Sumatra.
(Edited by Nardeep Singh Dahiya)
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