Modi’s Indo‑Pacific tour underscores India’s expanding regional role

Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a six‑day diplomatic tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from 6 to 11 July, signing a series of agreements aimed at bolstering defence cooperation, maritime security, energy supplies, critical mineral access and broader economic ties. In Indonesia, discussions focused on naval cooperation and the sale of BrahMos supersonic missiles. Australia addressed energy security, critical minerals and a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, while New Zealand highlighted agriculture, education and innovation partnerships. A Bangladeshi newspaper highlighted the strategic shift toward the Bay of Bengal, noting that India’s maritime monitoring and port connectivity could offer Bangladesh greater industrial and supply‑chain opportunities.

Separately, an Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) report released on 15 July reaffirmed that the India‑United States partnership remains anchored in the Indian Ocean and a rules‑based Indo‑Pacific, despite recent political frictions. The study stresses that long‑term strategic interests, rather than short‑term political disputes, drive the bilateral relationship.

Together, these developments illustrate India’s increasingly active role in shaping Indo‑Pacific security and economic architecture, while reinforcing its enduring strategic ties with the United States.