PM Modi leaves for Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand to boost Indo-Pacific ties
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday departed on a three-nation tour to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, saying the visit will strengthen India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The visit will take Modi to Indonesia from July 6-8, Australia from July 8-10, and New Zealand from July 10-11, with a focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation across key sectors.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the tour would reinforce India's strategic engagement with countries in the Eastern and Southern Indian Ocean regions.
“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,” Modi said.
MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, is India's vision for regional security and inclusive growth.
Indonesia visit
At the invitation of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Modi will visit Indonesia from July 6 to 8.
He noted that India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his 2018 visit. This will be his first bilateral visit since that upgrade and follows President Prabowo’s state visit to India as the chief guest for the 2025 Republic Day celebrations.
Modi said the two countries share deep civilisational and people-to-people ties, and his visit is expected to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership.
During the visit, he will also meet members of the Indian diaspora and visit the Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta along with President Prabowo.
Australia leg
From Indonesia, Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
He said the visit would help deepen the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through discussions on defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility and people-to-people ties.
The Prime Minister will also interact with the Indian community in Australia and explore cooperation in emerging technologies, critical technologies, sports and sports science.
New Zealand visit
The final leg of the tour will take Modi to Auckland at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Modi said the visit would build on the momentum created during Luxon's visit to India in March 2025.
The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to expand bilateral trade and commercial ties with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement.
The Prime Minister will also address the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, acknowledging its significant contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
PTI