India and Indonesia agree to develop Sabang Port and launch Ganga‑Mahakam vision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on a three‑day state visit to Jakarta, highlighted India’s development‑focused approach, saying “India follows a path of development rather than expansionism.” He addressed the Indonesian Parliament and announced a joint agreement to develop Sabang Port at the northern tip of Sumatra, a site that sits at the entrance to the Strait of Malacca and is strategically important for regional maritime trade.

Modi also presented a five‑point “Ganga‑Mahakam vision” to deepen bilateral ties. The roadmap calls for a civilizational dialogue, shared developmental projects, stronger defence and security cooperation, maritime prosperity spanning “from Sabang to Great Nicobar,” and a coordinated voice for the Global South in international affairs. The plan seeks to convert the shared geography of the two nations into “new opportunities for connectivity, logistics, blue economy, maritime security and trade resilience.”