New Delhi, Jul 8 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday concluded his state visit to Indonesia and departed for Melbourne to begin the second leg of his three-nation Indo-Pacific tour, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing the visit as one that significantly strengthened the bilateral partnership and charted an ambitious roadmap for future cooperation.
In a post on its WhatsApp channel, the MEA said the Prime Minister had completed a successful visit to Indonesia before leaving for Australia.
"PM Narendra Modi concludes his State Visit to Indonesia and embarks for Melbourne for the second leg of his three-country tour," the ministry said.
In a rare diplomatic gesture underscoring the warmth of ties between the two countries, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally accompanied Modi to the airport and saw him off before his departure.
"In a special gesture of friendship, PM was seen off by President Prabowo Subianto at the airport," the MEA said.
The visit marked a major milestone in India-Indonesia relations, producing a broad range of outcomes aimed at deepening cooperation across strategic, economic and people-to-people sectors.
According to the MEA, "The visit to Indonesia yielded significant outcomes across key areas of cooperation, placing the India-Indonesia partnership on an even stronger footing and setting an ambitious agenda for the future."
During his stay in Jakarta, Modi held delegation-level talks with President Prabowo, during which the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two maritime neighbours. The discussions focused on expanding collaboration in defence and security, maritime cooperation, trade and investment, digital technologies, healthcare, agriculture, critical minerals, space, disaster management, education and cultural exchanges.
The visit also witnessed the signing of 14 bilateral agreements and the launch of six major initiatives designed to broaden cooperation in emerging sectors while reinforcing existing institutional mechanisms.
In another highlight of the visit, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Indonesian Parliament, where he called for a new chapter in bilateral ties through a "Ganga-Mahakam Vision" and emphasised shared civilisational links, democratic values and cooperation in advancing the interests of the Global South.
The Prime Minister was also conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, by President Prabowo in recognition of his contribution to strengthening India-Indonesia relations.
Modi's visit formed the first leg of his three-country Indo-Pacific tour. He is scheduled to visit Australia, where he will hold talks with Australian leaders in Melbourne to review the expanding India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and explore avenues for deeper cooperation in trade, defence, critical minerals, clean energy, technology and education. The final leg of the tour will take him to New Zealand.
India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018 and have since steadily expanded cooperation in maritime security, defence, connectivity, commerce and regional affairs. The latest visit is expected to impart fresh momentum to bilateral ties while reinforcing cooperation in ensuring a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. UNI SKA AAB