Modi Wraps Up Asia-Pacific Tour with Landmark Deals in Indonesia and Australia

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a six-day, three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, securing landmark defence and nuclear energy agreements that underscore India's growing strategic influence in the Asia-Pacific region.

Defence Deals with Indonesia

During the first leg in Jakarta, India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements, including a contract for the supply of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra air-to-air missiles. The BrahMos deal, estimated at $630 million, makes Indonesia the third Southeast Asian buyer of the system Source: SCMP. The Astra deal marks its first export Source: The Diplomat. Both sides also agreed to cooperate on critical minerals and digital infrastructure Source: AP News.

Strategic Pact with Australia

In Melbourne, Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese sealed over 18 pacts, including a civil nuclear energy agreement facilitating uranium supply, a maritime security roadmap, and a joint declaration on defence cooperation Source: The Hindu. Analysts noted the shift from past uranium tensions to a thriving partnership Source: Al Jazeera. The visit also saw a large diaspora event and calls from human rights groups to address India's record Source: The Guardian.

Broader Implications

Modi's tour—following a Quad summit gap—reflects India's effort to bolster ties with key Indo-Pacific partners amid uncertainty over U.S. engagement and China's rise Source: Foreign Policy. The final leg to New Zealand focused on trade and diaspora outreach.

• Key outcomes: BrahMos missiles to Indonesia; uranium agreement with Australia; strengthened Quad coordination.
• Disagreements: While India and Australia celebrated the deals, Amnesty International urged Australia to raise human rights concerns, highlighting diverging views on Modi's domestic policies Source: The Guardian.