Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a six-day diplomatic tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, aimed at strengthening India's strategic partnerships and expanding cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. Scheduled from July 6 to July 11, the visit will focus on key areas including defence, maritime security, trade, investment, emerging technologies, education, and engagement with the Indian diaspora.

Indonesia: Strengthening Strategic Ties

The first leg of the tour takes the Prime Minister to Indonesia, where he will visit Jakarta and Yogyakarta from July 6 to 8 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. This marks Modi's first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the two countries elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.

During the visit, the two leaders are expected to discuss defence cooperation, maritime security, trade, investment, and regional developments. They are also scheduled to visit the historic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, highlighting the centuries-old cultural and civilizational links between India and Indonesia. Prime Minister Modi will also interact with members of the Indian community.

Australia: Expanding Cooperation

Following Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Melbourne, where he will hold talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Discussions are expected to focus on further strengthening the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with emphasis on defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility, critical and emerging technologies, and sports cooperation.

The Prime Minister is also scheduled to address a large gathering of the Indian diaspora during his visit. India and Australia have significantly deepened cooperation in recent years, particularly in defence, maritime security, and the Indo-Pacific region.

New Zealand: Boosting Economic Partnership

In the final phase of the tour, Prime Minister Modi will visit Auckland for bilateral talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The leaders are expected to review progress in bilateral ties following Luxon's visit to India earlier this year and discuss ways to enhance trade, investment, and broader economic cooperation.

The talks are also likely to focus on implementing the recently signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengthening collaboration across various sectors. Modi will conclude the visit by addressing the Indian community in Auckland.

India's Indo-Pacific Message

Before departing, Prime Minister Modi said the three-nation visit reflects India's commitment to strengthening its Act East Policy, advancing its MAHASAGAR Vision, and supporting a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

The tour is seen as an important diplomatic initiative, reinforcing India's engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners while expanding cooperation in strategic, economic, and technological sectors. It also underlines India's growing role in promoting regional stability and strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.