India Strengthens Defence Ties with Indonesia by Supplying BrahMos and Astra Missiles

In a significant move to bolster defence cooperation, India has confirmed its decision to supply BrahMos and Astra missiles to Indonesia. This announcement was made on Tuesday during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta, marking a pivotal moment in Indo-Indonesian relations.

The agreement comes just months after Indonesia’s defence ministry revealed its intention to acquire BrahMos systems from India. While specific details surrounding the missile deals were not disclosed immediately, this partnership highlights India’s commitment to enhancing its military exports and fostering closer ties with Southeast Asian nations.

The BrahMos missile, a supersonic cruise weapon developed collaboratively by India and Russia, will now be operated by Indonesia, making it the third nation to do so, following the Philippines and Vietnam. This development underscores the increasing interest in advanced defence technology among countries in the region, particularly given the strategic maritime dynamics of Southeast Asia.

In addition to the BrahMos, Indonesia will also receive the Astra missile, which is an advanced beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile crafted by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Currently, the Indian armed forces are the sole users of this sophisticated missile system. The inclusion of Astra into Indonesia’s arsenal is expected to enhance its aerial capabilities significantly.

During a press briefing with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, PM Modi emphasized that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018 is now “reaching new heights.” The leaders also agreed to improve real-time maritime information sharing and to reinforce bilateral cooperation in maritime security, crucial given Indonesia’s strategic position near the Strait of Malacca—one of the busiest shipping routes in the world.

The proximity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is part of India, to Indonesia—approximately 150 km—further reinforces the importance of collaboration between the two nations. The Strait of Malacca is a vital passage, facilitating over 20% of global trade, making security and cooperation in this region paramount for both countries.

This agreement marks a strategic shift in the defence posture of Indonesia and aligns with India’s broader objective of increasing its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. As both nations navigate the complexities of regional security, the focus on military collaboration is likely to grow, presenting opportunities for deeper ties in defence production and technology transfer in the future.

Source: scroll.in