Modi signs BrahMos, Astra missile deals with Indonesia
Get the Geopolitics newsletter
Daily geopolitics — wars, elections, sanctions, the diplomatic moves that move markets. Free.
- PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presided over the signing of 14 agreements and MoUs in Jakarta on July 7, 2026, including in-principle deals for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles for Indonesia.
- Bharat Dynamics Limited, which manufactures the Astra missile, will integrate the weapon system with the Indonesian Air Force's Su-30 fighters, with the number of missiles to be acquired determined during contract negotiations.
- The BrahMos missile, jointly developed by India's DRDO and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia, has a range exceeding 290 km and travels at speeds up to Mach 2.8; the Astra Mk-1 offers an engagement range of approximately 80–110 km.
- India and Indonesia expressed "deep concern" over the war in West Asia in their joint statement and stressed that "transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz" must comply with international law including UNCLOS provisions.
- Indonesia welcomed India's interest in partnering on the integrated development of Sabang Port, including maritime industries and shore-based services supporting offshore energy activities in the Andaman Sea.
- Indonesia bestowed Modi with the 'Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia', its highest honour — making him the second Indian PM to receive it after Jawaharlal Nehru (posthumously, December 12, 1995).
Why it matters: Indonesia's procurement of BrahMos and Astra missiles marks a concrete defence export breakthrough for India, with Bharat Dynamics Limited now integrating weapons onto Indonesia's Su-30 fleet. The Sabang Port partnership and joint stance on Strait of Hormuz transit extend Indian strategic reach into the Andaman Sea, while Modi's rare highest-honour recognition signals Indonesia's elevation of bilateral ties.
