Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said his six-day visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand would reinforce India’s Act East Policy, advance its MAHASAGAR vision and deepen the country’s commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, while further strengthening bilateral ties with the three key partners.
In his departure statement ahead of the July 6-11 tour, he said the visit would build on the strong momentum in India’s relations with Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand and expand cooperation across strategic, economic and people-centric sectors.
“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,” the Prime Minister said.
MAHASAGAR—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions—is India’s vision for promoting security, stability and inclusive growth across the maritime region.
The Prime Minister will begin his tour in Indonesia from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto.
Recalling that the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his 2018 visit, the Prime Minister said this would be his first bilateral visit since then and follows President Prabowo’s visit to India as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025.
During his stay, he will interact with the Indian diaspora and accompany President Prabowo on a visit to the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, describing the UNESCO-listed site as a symbol of the deep cultural links between the two nations.
The second leg of the tour will take the PM to Melbourne, where he will hold talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese aimed at expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The Prime Minister said discussions would focus on strengthening cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and people-to-people exchanges.
PM Modi said he also looked forward to interacting with the Indian community in Melbourne, calling the diaspora an “important pillar” of the bilateral relationship.
The final stop will be Auckland, where he will meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to build on the momentum generated by Luxon’s visit to India in March this year.
The Prime Minister said the two leaders would discuss ways to further expand economic, trade and commercial engagement following the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
“Our bilateral ties have seen significant contribution from the Indian diaspora, and during this visit, I look forward to addressing a large gathering of the Indian community who have excelled in all spheres of life,” he said.
