Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed on Monday for a three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6 to 11, aimed at strengthening India’s strategic partnerships, expanding economic engagement and reinforcing cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the visit would further India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Prime Minister Modi will be in Indonesia from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. The visit will be his first bilateral trip to the country since India and Indonesia elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his 2018 visit. It also comes after President Prabowo’s State visit to India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025.
The Prime Minister said India and Indonesia share deep civilisational and people-to-people ties and expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen the multifaceted partnership. During the visit, PM Modi will also interact with the Indian diaspora and visit the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta with President Prabowo, describing it as a testament to the close cultural ties between the two nations.
From Indonesia, the PM will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He said the visit would provide an opportunity to further strengthen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Prime Minister said his discussions with Albanese would focus on defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and people-to-people ties. He added that the two countries would also seek to deepen cooperation in emerging and critical technologies, sports and sports science. PM Modi is also scheduled to interact with members of the Indian diaspora in Melbourne.
The Prime Minister will be in Auckland for the final leg of his tour, where he will hold talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
PM Modi said the visit would build on the momentum generated by Luxon’s visit to India in March 2025. The leaders are expected to discuss ways to further enhance economic, trade and commercial engagement. Referring to the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, the Prime Minister said both countries have committed themselves to strengthening bilateral trade and commercial ties.
He also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora to India-New Zealand relations and said he looked forward to addressing a large gathering of the Indian community during the visit.
“My visit to Indonesia and Australia in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean respectively, followed by New Zealand, will further strengthen India’s Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision as well as our outlook towards a free and open Indo-Pacific,” PM Modi said.
