India and Indonesia strengthen defense ties with new industrial partnership

India and Indonesia have announced new initiatives to strengthen their strategic partnership, focusing on defense manufacturing. This follows a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo, where they discussed cooperation in various sectors, including maritime security. The leaders emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation under international law, without directly mentioning China. They agreed to enhance collaboration in defense manufacturing and supply chains, building on their existing ties. Modi and Prabowo also highlighted the historic significance of Indonesia's participation in India's Republic Day celebrations. They are working towards a framework agreement for defense cooperation, which may include projects like BrahMos missiles and submarine technology sharing.