India and Indonesia expand strategic talks ahead of likely Modi visit to Jakarta
India and Indonesia have held high-level talks in New Delhi focused on defence, maritime security, digital connectivity and infrastructure, as both sides look to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership. The discussions were co-chaired by India's external affairs minister and his Indonesian counterpart at the 8th India-Indonesia Joint Commission Meeting. The ministers also discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to Jakarta next month.
Sponsored
According to the confirmed details, the meeting covered a wide range of bilateral issues, including political and security cooperation, trade and investment, health, pharmaceuticals, fertiliser, critical minerals, tourism, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. The Indian side said the talks reviewed the full spectrum of the relationship under the comprehensive strategic partnership, while the Indonesian side said the meeting addressed key priorities from trade to maritime security.
The talks come at a time when both countries are seeking to broaden cooperation across the Indo-Pacific, particularly in areas linked to sea lanes, connectivity and supply chains. Maritime security and shipping were among the subjects discussed, alongside digital and infrastructure links, which suggests the relationship is moving beyond traditional diplomacy into practical economic and strategic coordination. The mention of critical minerals also points to growing interest in sectors that are increasingly important for industrial policy and energy transition planning.
The meeting also carried political significance because it followed earlier discussions between Indonesia's president and India's prime minister, including during the Indonesian leader's state visit to India in January 2025. Both sides said those exchanges had given fresh momentum to the relationship. The latest talks therefore appear to be part of a broader effort to maintain that momentum and prepare the ground for further engagement at leader level.
Sponsored
India and Indonesia are both major regional powers with interests in maritime stability, trade routes and wider Indo-Pacific cooperation. The reference to deeper coordination with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also underlines the importance of the relationship beyond the bilateral level. For India, stronger ties with Indonesia support its outreach to Southeast Asia, while for Indonesia the relationship offers another channel for strategic and economic engagement with a large Asian partner.
What remains unclear is the exact timing and format of Modi's expected trip to Jakarta, which was described as likely rather than confirmed. It is also not yet clear which of the many areas discussed will produce immediate follow-up agreements or announcements. The next developments to watch are any formal confirmation of the visit and whether the two governments move quickly on defence, maritime or connectivity initiatives.
Sponsored
