PM Modi addresses Indonesian Parliament, highlights India's development focus

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described India as a country that believes in "development, not expansionism" as he addressed the Indonesian Parliament, pitching the India-Indonesia partnership as one that will be defined by shared growth, democratic values and a common civilisational heritage.

Speaking before lawmakers, the prime minister said India and Indonesia were entering a pivotal phase in their bilateral relationship, with the coming quarter century set to play a defining role in the future of both nations.

"The first quarter of this century has already passed, and the next 25 years will be extremely significant for both our countries. Today, on the great soil of Indonesia, I have come before you with confidence in the shared development and progress of our two nations," he said.

The prime minister also referred to being conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour earlier in the day, saying he accepted it on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.

"I humbly and wholeheartedly accept this affection shown by the people of Indonesia on behalf of millions of Indians. This honour is a tribute to the democratic values of both our nations, our shared heritage, and the strengthening ties between our two countries," he said.

Opening his address, PM Modi thanked the Indonesian leadership and people for the warm reception he received in Jakarta, calling it one of the most memorable days of his life.

Representing "140 crore Indians" and describing India as the "Mother of Democracy", he conveyed greetings to the Indonesian people and praised the warmth extended to him by citizens, especially children, youth and women.

In a light-hearted moment, the prime minister referred to remarks by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto about copyright, saying, "No one holds the copyright to this love, this affection, this friendship and this spirit of respect," drawing applause from members of Parliament.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held wide-ranging bilateral talks, signing more than eight agreements across defence, technology, health, education, telecommunications, agriculture and critical minerals, in a move aimed at deepening the two countries' strategic partnership.

The centrepiece of the agreements was the long-awaited deal for the supply of BrahMos missiles to Indonesia, extending India's growing network of coastal missile partnerships across Southeast Asia. The two sides also signed an agreement for the supply of India's Astra air-to-air missile system to the Indonesian military under a pact between Bharat Dynamics Limited and Republic Corps.

The leaders also finalised a framework for maritime safety and security cooperation, agreed to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and steel, and decided to integrate India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with Indonesia's digital payment system to facilitate cross-border transactions and travel.

Other agreements covered disaster management, healthcare workforce collaboration, telecommunications, regulation of medical products, agriculture, election management and technology, research and innovation, as well as the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple complex. The Election Commissions of both countries also signed an MoU to enhance democratic cooperation.

The two sides announced the establishment of an overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore at Indonesia's Singhasari Special Economic Zone in East Java, aimed at serving students from across the ASEAN region.