India and Indonesia on Tuesday signed a series of agreements, including major defense contracts for missile systems, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta to strengthen strategic, economic and security cooperation.

Modi, who arrived in Indonesia on Monday as the first stop of his week-long Indo-Pacific tour, witnessed the signing of 14 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering defense, critical minerals, steel supply chains, space cooperation and other sectors.

Among the key agreements were contracts between Indonesia's Ministry of Defense and BrahMos Aerospace for the acquisition of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, as well as a deal between Bharat Dynamics Limited and Indonesian defense firm Republikorp for Astra air-to-air missile systems.

Speaking at a joint press conference after bilateral talks, Modi said India and Indonesia had significantly expanded their partnership since elevating ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2018.

"We are making significant strides across every domain of cooperation, including development, security, technology, culture and education," Modi said, expressing confidence that the agreements would open a "golden new chapter" in bilateral relations.

The defense agreements are expected to strengthen India's position as an emerging arms exporter in the Indo-Pacific while enhancing Indonesia's military capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics. According to Arab News, analysts view the missile deals as a significant boost to India's defense industry and its efforts to establish itself as a key security partner in Southeast Asia.

Geostrategy analyst Vanshika Saraf of the Takshashila Institution said the agreements demonstrate India's intention to play a more active security and economic role in the region. She noted that cooperation in the minerals sector is particularly important because Indonesia accounts for nearly 60 percent of global nickel production, a critical resource for India's steel industry.

As part of the visit, President Prabowo conferred the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna, the country's highest civilian honor, on Modi in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations. Modi became only the second Indian prime minister to receive the award after Jawaharlal Nehru, who was honored in 1961.

Prabowo described Modi's visit as a historic milestone, saying both countries remain committed to advancing their comprehensive strategic partnership through practical and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Indonesia is the first destination of Modi's three-nation Indo-Pacific tour, which will also take him to Australia and New Zealand. The visit marks Modi's fourth trip to Indonesia, following previous visits in 2018, 2022 for the G20 Summit, and 2023 for the ASEAN Summit.

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