New Delhi: A new chapter has been added to the strategic and diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Jakarta on the first stop of his three-nation state visit, has been awarded Indonesia’s highest civilian honor ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ medal. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced this prestigious award during bilateral talks. Started in 1959, this honor is given to those global leaders who have made historical contributions to strengthening the extraordinary friendship and bilateral relations with Indonesia.
New level of bilateral relations and ‘Act East’ policy
This is Prime Minister Modi’s first full-fledged bilateral visit to Indonesia, which is taking place after the two countries transformed their relations into a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’. The foundation of this journey had already been laid in January 2025. When President Prabowo Subianto attended the Republic Day celebrations of India as the chief guest. Before leaving from New Delhi, PM Modi had clarified that this visit will give new impetus to India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘Ocean Vision’, so that a free, open and secure Indo-Pacific region can be ensured.
Thank you for the warm welcome at the Istana Merdeka! @prabowo pic.twitter.com/U6uLbk7aCr
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2026
Cross-border linkage of UPI and QRIS
The biggest practical benefit of this historic meeting is going to be available to the citizens and businessmen of both the countries in the form of digital payments. President Subianto and PM Modi have decided to link India’s UPI and Indonesia’s QRIS (QR Payment Code) together (cross-border linkage), increasing cooperation in the field of ‘Digital Public Infrastructure’. With the implementation of this technology, Indian tourists visiting Bali and other tourist destinations in Indonesia will be able to make secure and affordable digital payments directly from their mobile app.
Cooperation on EVM technology and future strategy
Apart from digital transactions, India will also share the experience of its strong democratic electoral system with Indonesia. The Government of India will provide technical assistance in developing specially designed ‘Electronic Voting Machines’ (EVMs) for the upcoming elections in Indonesia. During the bilateral meeting, PM Modi also signed the guest book at Istana Negara in Jakarta. After Jakarta, Prime Minister Modi will leave for Australia (Melbourne) and New Zealand (Auckland) in the next phases of his six-day foreign trip.
BrahMos and Astra missile deal between India and Indonesia
A major defense agreement has been finalized during bilateral talks between India and Indonesia. Under this, Indonesia will purchase India’s deadly BrahMos cruise missile system and Astra air-to-air missile system. This historic missile deal will provide an unprecedented boost to India’s coastal missile deployment network and defense exports in South-East Asia.
Addressing the joint press meet with President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia.@prabowo https://t.co/LrvzAuUjzi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 7, 2026
Shared vision on diplomacy and global issues
During the meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while referring to global uncertainties, said that the relevance of dialogue and diplomacy has increased a lot in the present times. Reiterating India’s old stand on the Palestine issue, he supported the ‘two-state solution’ and lasting peace. PM Modi said that India and Indonesia share historical-cultural ties, which are part of Indonesia’s "Golden Indonesia" and India’s "developed india" Will help in achieving the goals together.
Emphasis on democratic values and ASEAN
An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Election Commissions of the two countries, under which India will share its EVM technology with Indonesia. PM Modi said that unity in diversity and democratic values are the common strengths of both the countries.
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