India and Indonesia strengthen strategic partnership and cultural ties

India and Indonesia are deepening their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through high-level diplomatic engagement and cultural cooperation. Following a state visit by President Prabowo Subianto to India in January 2025, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a state visit to Indonesia from July 6–8, 2026.

Key areas of bilateral focus include defense cooperation, trade, investment, maritime security, digital technology, artificial intelligence, health, and education. This strengthening of ties reflects India’s transition from its ‘Look East Policy’ to a more ambitious ‘Act East Policy,’ aiming to integrate more deeply into the Southeast Asian economic architecture.

In addition to political and economic agendas, the two nations have launched a long-term joint project for the conservation and restoration of the Prambanan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yogyakarta. The project aims to restore over 200 perwara temples within the complex, utilizing cultural heritage preservation to reinforce the historical ties between the two countries.