New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed New Delhi on Monday for a multi-nation diplomatic tour spanning Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. The six-day official visit is designed to fortify India’s regional strategic partnerships, scale up economic cooperation, and advance New Delhi’s overarching commitment to an inclusive and free Indo-Pacific. In a departure statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi emphasized that the diplomatic mission aligns closely with the core principles of India’s Act East Policy and the maritime security framework under the MAHASAGAR vision.
The first leg of the journey brings the Prime Minister to Indonesia from July 6 to 8 following an official invitation from President Prabowo Subianto. The visit represents Modi’s first bilateral trip to the nation since relations were raised to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018. It follows President Prabowo’s high-profile visit to New Delhi as the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2025. Bilateral discussions are expected to prioritize critical mineral supply chains, given Indonesia’s massive global reserves of nickel, copper, and bauxite. Alongside formal talks, Modi will connect with the Indian diaspora and join President Prabowo on a cultural visit to the historic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta.
Moving south, the Prime Minister will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The dialogue will focus heavily on strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with agenda points covering defense cooperation, trade investments, mobility, and critical technologies. Modi will also participate in the India-Australia CEOs Forum to engage with business leaders and address the resident Indian community.
The final phase of the itinerary features a state visit to Auckland, New Zealand, where Modi will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in four decades, the session looks to capitalize on the trade momentum established by the bilateral Free Trade Agreement signed earlier this year. Discussions will center on expanding market accessibility and strengthening commercial investments before Modi concludes the tour by addressing a major gathering of the Indian diaspora.
