India And Indonesia Sign BrahMos And Astra Deal, Usher In Golden Chapter of Strategic Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Indonesia has marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, with the signing of more than eight agreements across defence, technology, health, education, and cultural cooperation.

The centrepiece of these accords was the long-anticipated BrahMos missile deal, which firmly positions Indonesia as a key partner in India’s expanding coastal missile deployment network across Southeast Asia.

Alongside this, India agreed to supply ASTRA air-to-air missile systems under a new arrangement between Bharat Dynamics and Indonesia’s Republic Corps, further strengthening defence interoperability.

The agreements extended well beyond defence. A framework on maritime safety and security was finalised, reflecting the shared priority of safeguarding sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific. India and Indonesia also signed an agreement on critical minerals and technologies for the steel supply chain, with Prime Minister Modi highlighting the importance of resilient supply chains in stainless steel and rare-earth magnets. India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be integrated with Indonesia’s payment system, boosting ease of travel and business transactions.

Cooperation in disaster management, health workforce collaboration, and conservation of the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple complex were also agreed upon. In the health sector, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control signed a pact to harmonise regulatory standards, enabling greater access for Indian medical products in Indonesia.

PM Modi emphasised that this would make high-quality and affordable Indian medicines more available to Indonesian citizens while also contributing to capacity building for Indonesian doctors and healthcare workers.

Education and cultural ties received a major boost with the announcement of an overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in East Java’s Singhasari Special Economic Zone. Modi noted that this initiative would benefit young people across the ASEAN region, strengthening academic and professional linkages.

Democratic cooperation was also expanded through a Memorandum of Understanding between the Election Commissions of both nations, alongside agreements in agriculture, telecommunications, medical regulation, and election management technologies.

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto conferred the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, upon Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the personal chemistry between the two leaders and the depth of the partnership. Modi, in his joint press statement, declared that a “golden chapter” of India-Indonesia relations had begun, spanning development, security, technology, culture, and education, with far-reaching implications for the 21st century.

The visit also included Modi’s address to Indonesia’s parliament and an engagement with the Indian diaspora in Jakarta. He is expected to visit the Prambanan Temple before concluding his trip. This engagement builds upon his recent strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean region, including strengthened ties with Seychelles and Mauritius, and his hosting of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in New Delhi.

The ongoing multi-nation tour, which includes Australia and New Zealand, is firmly aligned with India’s Act East Policy and the MAHASAGAR Vision, reinforcing New Delhi’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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China’s SLBM Test Raises Strategic Alarm For India Amid Expanding Nuclear Deterrence

China’s test launch of a submarine‑launched ballistic missile into the South Pacific on 6 July 2026 has raised alarms far beyond the immediate region, Ravi Shankar of Bharat Shakti reported.

For India, defence experts argue, the development signals a decisive shift in Beijing’s maritime nuclear posture that could intensify strategic competition across the Indian Ocean and widen the capability gap between the two Asian rivals.

The missile, widely assessed to be the Julang‑3 (JL‑3), was fired on a full operational trajectory from a nuclear‑powered submarine. Analysts note that this demonstrates China’s sea‑based nuclear deterrent has entered a more mature phase.

The launch provoked protests from Australia, New Zealand and Japan, particularly because it was conducted within the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone established under the Treaty of Rarotonga.

Captain Sarabjeet Singh Parmar (Retd), a naval analyst, said the test reflected a broader pattern in Beijing’s strategic conduct. He argued that China’s expanding maritime footprint is no longer limited to port visits, naval exercises or bilateral engagements.

Conducting a ballistic missile test in waters covered by the Treaty of Rarotonga, despite having ratified its protocols, showed the same disregard for international commitments that Beijing has demonstrated in the South China Sea despite being a signatory to UNCLOS.

Brig Arun Sehgal (Retd), Director of the Forum for Strategic Initiatives, said the launch validated China’s transition to a secure “bastion strategy”. This allows its ballistic missile submarines to threaten intercontinental targets while remaining inside heavily protected waters such as the South China Sea. 

He explained that the JL‑3’s estimated range of over 10,000 km fundamentally changes China’s nuclear posture. Earlier, Chinese submarines had to venture deep into the Pacific, exposing themselves to US anti‑submarine forces. With the JL‑3, they can strike intercontinental targets from protected coastal bastions, substantially enhancing the survivability of China’s nuclear deterrent.

According to Sehgal, the test was not merely about extending missile range but about proving the weapon under real operational conditions. A full‑trajectory launch validates atmospheric re‑entry, terminal guidance, booster performance and potentially MIRV deployment. It marks an important milestone in the operational maturity of China’s sea‑based nuclear force.

For India, however, the larger concern lies in the strategic consequences rather than the missile itself. Sehgal warned that China’s strengthened second‑strike capability could allow the People’s Liberation Army Navy to redeploy more of its advanced attack submarines into the Indian Ocean Region instead of escorting ballistic missile submarines in the Pacific.

As China’s ballistic missile submarines become more secure in home waters, the PLAN gains greater flexibility to push conventional attack submarines into the Indian Ocean. This compounds India’s two‑front security challenge by extending Chinese military pressure from the Himalayan frontier into India’s maritime backyard.

The development also highlights the growing asymmetry between China’s and India’s undersea nuclear capabilities. While China has demonstrated an operational intercontinental sea‑based deterrent, India’s submarine‑launched ballistic missile programme continues to evolve with shorter‑range systems and future long‑range capabilities still under development.

Sehgal observed that the capability gap is becoming increasingly visible, with China’s deterrent achieving operational maturity while India’s maritime nuclear leg remains a work in progress. This has implications for deterrence stability across the Indo‑Pacific.

Beyond military capability, Sehgal cautioned that China is likely to intensify undersea surveillance operations across the Indian Ocean through its expanding network of tracking ships and dual‑use oceanographic research vessels. Hydrographic and acoustic mapping of the Indian Ocean directly supports submarine operations.

These activities improve China’s ability to conceal its own submarines while enhancing its capacity to detect and track India’s Arihant‑class nuclear submarines.

The timing of the missile test, coinciding with expanding security cooperation among Indo‑Pacific nations and joint Chinese‑Russian naval exercises, also carries geopolitical messaging.

By demonstrating a credible sea‑based nuclear strike capability, Beijing is signalling that any external military intervention in a future Taiwan contingency would carry significantly higher strategic risks.

Defence analysts conclude that the launch reinforces India’s ongoing push to strengthen anti‑submarine warfare capabilities, accelerate theatre command integration, expand maritime surveillance and deepen security cooperation with Quad partners.

As the strategic contest in the Indo‑Pacific increasingly shifts beneath the sea, India faces mounting pressure to close the gap in undersea nuclear and conventional capabilities.

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ISRO Successfully Conducts Flight Acceptance Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine For Next LVM3 Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully conducted the Flight Acceptance Test of the CE20 cryogenic engine for the upcoming LVM-3-M7 mission, announced ISRO.

This marks another important milestone in India’s heavy-lift launch vehicle program.

The CE20 cryogenic engine powers the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle. It has been indigenously developed and is qualified to operate at thrust levels ranging from 19 to 22 tons.

The engine has already demonstrated its reliability in eight successive LVM-3 missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and three commercial launches. It has also met the stringent human-rating qualification requirements necessary for its induction into the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.

To enable testing of the CE20 engine with a nozzle of full area ratio 100 under sea-level conditions, ISRO developed and validated a Nozzle Protection System. This system was tested extensively on a qualification engine through multiple trials.

The implementation of NPS simplifies the complex activities associated with testing under High Altitude Test conditions, requires fewer resources and allows longer test durations.

On 6 July 2026, the flight acceptance hot test of the CE20 engine earmarked for the LVM3-M7 mission was successfully carried out at the Main Engine and Stage Test facility at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.

This was the first time the NPS was used in such a test. The engine was operated at a thrust level of 19.5 tons for 45 seconds and at 22 tonnes for 25 seconds.

The test results confirmed the satisfactory performance of both the engine systems and the NPS. Following this success, the engine will be refurbished and assembled into the C32 flight stage, which is currently being integrated for the LVM3-M7 vehicle.

This achievement strengthens ISRO’s confidence in the CE20 cryogenic engine and its supporting systems, ensuring readiness for future missions. It also highlights India’s growing expertise in cryogenic propulsion technology, which is critical for deep-space exploration, human spaceflight and commercial launch services.

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Indonesia Visit Delivers Comprehensive Gains' Says Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday declared that his official visit to Indonesia had produced comprehensive and forward-looking outcomes.

He emphasised that the engagements held with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta had imparted fresh momentum and deeper scope to the bilateral relationship.

In a statement shared on X, the Prime Minister noted that he had conducted a productive discussion with President Subianto. He explained that the talks had spanned a wide range of areas including trade, human resource development, agriculture, food security, and health services.

He underlined that defence, security, and maritime cooperation were also central to the dialogue, given the strategic role of both nations as major maritime powers in the Indo-Pacific.

Looking ahead, Modi confirmed that both sides had agreed to intensify collaboration in advanced fields such as space exploration, telecommunications, artificial intelligence, Public Digital Infrastructure, and other emerging digital technologies.

He described the outcome of the visit as comprehensive, substantive, and forward-looking, stressing that the friendship between India and Indonesia would continue to reach higher levels in the years ahead.

Earlier in the day, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto conferred upon Prime Minister Modi the ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’ Medal of Honour.

This decoration, the highest civilian award of Indonesia, was presented in recognition of Modi’s leadership in strengthening bilateral friendship and advancing unity, continuity, and prosperity in Indonesia. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the award and highlighted its symbolic significance.

Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India, describing it as a tribute to the enduring bonds of friendship between the two nations.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated on X that the award was a testament to the India-Indonesia partnership and the respect accorded to Modi’s leadership in nurturing it.

President Subianto personally bestowed the medal upon Modi, underscoring his crucial role in consolidating the partnership. The ceremony added a symbolic dimension to the visit, complementing the substantive outcomes achieved during the bilateral discussions.

The engagements in Jakarta form part of Modi’s wider three-nation diplomatic tour, which will also take him to Australia and New Zealand.

The Indonesian leg of the visit has already been marked by high-level exchanges, strategic agreements, and the conferment of Indonesia’s highest honour, collectively reinforcing the trajectory of India-Indonesia relations.

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Prime Minister Modi Conferred With Indonesia’s Highest Civilian Honour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’, by President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the award was bestowed in recognition of Modi’s leadership in strengthening the friendship between India and Indonesia.

The medal, also known as the Star of Indonesia, symbolises unity, continuity, and prosperity, and reflects the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi dedicated the honour to the people of India. In a post on X, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the award as a tribute to India‑Indonesia friendship, noting that it was conferred with great respect and affection.

He emphasised that the recognition was not only for Modi’s leadership but also for the collective bonds of friendship between the two democracies.

During a joint press meet with President Prabowo, Modi expressed his deep gratitude, stating that the honour belonged to the crores of Indians.

He highlighted that the award reflected the sentiments of the Indonesian people and the historic, deep‑rooted ties between the two nations. Modi extended his heartfelt thanks to President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia, and the Indonesian people for the gesture.

The Prime Minister underlined that a golden era beckons both nations. He stressed that in times of global turbulence, dialogue and diplomacy have become more critical than ever. Addressing the issue of Palestine, Modi reiterated India’s support for a two‑state solution and long‑term peace.

He noted that India and Indonesia share a common culture in history, mutual trust in the present, and a vision of shared prosperity in the future.

Modi expressed confidence that together the two nations would realise the visions of ‘Indonesia Emas’ (Golden Indonesia) and a developed India. His remarks underscored the strategic depth of the partnership, which continues to expand across defence, education, technology, and cultural cooperation.

The conferral of the Bintang Adipurna medal marks a historic moment in India‑Indonesia relations, symbolising not only recognition of Modi’s leadership but also the strengthening of bilateral ties at a time when both nations are navigating complex global challenges.

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US Senator Rick Scott Warns Pakistan Over Double Role After Sharif’s Tribute To Khamenei

US Senator Rick Scott has sharply criticised Pakistan’s role in the delicate diplomatic manoeuvring between Washington and Tehran, warning that Islamabad’s credibility is deeply compromised, Economic Times reported.

His remarks followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s attendance at the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. US Senator Rick Scott has issued a sharp warning to Pakistan over what he described as its “double role” in the ongoing US‑Iran diplomatic process.

His remarks followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s attendance at the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, where Sharif paid tribute to the cleric and pledged continued collaboration between Pakistan and Iran.

We need to remember who Pakistan really is in the middle of all this.

We’re talking about a country where bin Laden hid out for a decade, where they selectively enforce lopsided blasphemy laws to persecute Christians, and where the Prime Minister just praised the genocidal mass… https://t.co/7SRIGGwyI1

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) July 6, 2026

Scott, in a post on X, questioned Islamabad’s credibility as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. He recalled Pakistan’s chequered past, including the decade‑long concealment of Osama bin Laden, the enforcement of blasphemy laws against minorities, and Sharif’s praise for Khamenei, whom Scott labelled a “genocidal mass murdering tyrant.”

He argued that Pakistan was no more qualified to mediate than Qatar, which he accused of harbouring Hamas. He warned that the United States would be watching Pakistan’s actions closely.

Sharif’s presence in Tehran was highly symbolic. During the funeral ceremony, he described Khamenei as “a great scholar and leader whom millions of Muslims will remember,” adding that Pakistan and Iran would “march together under all circumstances.” His words were seen as a reaffirmation of Islamabad’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Tehran despite the tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and its confrontation with the United States and Israel.

The funeral procession itself was a major event in Tehran, drawing vast crowds dressed in black. Khamenei’s flag‑draped coffin, along with those of family members killed in an airstrike at the start of the conflict involving Israel and the United States, was carried through the capital.

Iranian authorities presented the ceremony as a demonstration of national unity. Anti‑US and anti‑Israel slogans were prominent, with mourners chanting against President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Effigies of Trump were displayed, and placards called for retaliation against perceived aggressors.

These developments come at a critical juncture. Efforts to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled, with talks expected to resume only after Khamenei’s burial. Key differences persist over Iran’s nuclear programme, the security of the Strait of Hormuz, and wider regional stability. 

The United States has expressed scepticism about Pakistan’s role in this process, particularly in light of Sharif’s overtures to Tehran, which appear to contradict Washington’s expectations of a neutral mediator.

Scott’s intervention underscores the growing unease in Washington about Pakistan’s positioning. His remarks highlight the broader distrust within the US political establishment regarding Islamabad’s reliability in sensitive diplomatic negotiations.

With Iran signalling defiance and its supporters rallying in the streets, the path to renewed dialogue looks fraught with obstacles. Pakistan’s attempt to balance its ties with both Washington and Tehran may prove increasingly untenable as scrutiny intensifies.

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Indonesian President’s Open Praise For PM Modi Says 'I Follow Your Career, Copied Your Programs' Highlights Deepening Strategic Partnership

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s candid remarks during a banquet lunch in Jakarta added a strikingly personal dimension to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit.

In a moment that drew smiles from dignitaries, President Subianto openly acknowledged his admiration for India’s developmental trajectory and stated that he had consciously adopted several of Modi’s programs.

"I follow your career, copied your programs": Indonesian President made candid praise for PM Modi as it steals the show in Jakarta.

He emphasised that India’s success in tackling challenges similar to those faced by Indonesia—such as a large population, agricultural dependence, and frequent natural disasters—had inspired him to replicate these initiatives. He remarked that he was unafraid to admit this, noting that India’s achievements had already begun to deliver tangible progress in Indonesia.

The Indonesian leader further explained that these adapted strategies were proving successful, adding humorously that he was grateful there was no copyright on India’s programmes. He revealed that a delegation from Jakarta had recently returned from an intensive study tour in India, focusing on agricultural innovations such as permaculture, which transforms arid land into arable terrain. He stressed that Indonesia had much to learn from India’s experience and was committed to embracing these lessons.

The banquet also became the setting for major announcements that underscored the deepening of bilateral ties. Prime Minister Modi and President Subianto unveiled a Memorandum of Understanding on BrahMos-Astra missiles, signalling a significant step forward in defence cooperation.

In parallel, New Delhi confirmed plans to establish campuses of the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Management in Indonesia, marking a historic expansion of India’s educational footprint in Southeast Asia.

These developments were accompanied by a broader exchange of MoUs covering critical sectors such as space exploration, critical minerals, technology, disaster management, medical product regulation, agriculture, and maritime safety.

PM Modi highlighted agreements to strengthen collaboration in technology, artificial intelligence, and start-up ecosystems, announcing that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore would open a campus in Indonesia. Both nations also agreed to integrate their cross-border QR payment systems, easing financial transactions and boosting economic connectivity.

Cultural cooperation was also placed firmly on the agenda, with both democracies pledging to work together on the preservation and conservation of the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta. This initiative reflects the civilizational ties that underpin the modern strategic partnership.

In a symbolic gesture of recognition, Indonesia conferred its highest civilian honour, the ‘Bintang Adipurna’ medal, upon Prime Minister Modi. Expressing gratitude, Modi stated that the respect embodied in the award was for every Indian, and he thanked Indonesia on behalf of the nation.

The Prime Minister’s visit, spanning from 6 to 8 July, represents the inaugural leg of his three-nation diplomatic tour that will also take him to Australia and New Zealand. It is his first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.

The current engagement builds upon the momentum of President Subianto’s state visit to India in January 2025, when he was accorded the honour of being Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations.

Before departing New Delhi, Modi had underscored the strategic importance of the visit, describing it as a means to further deepen the multifaceted partnership between India and Indonesia. The banquet exchange, punctuated by Subianto’s candid praise, has now added a distinctly personal and symbolic layer to this evolving relationship.

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India And Indonesia Unite Against Terrorism, Modi Calls For UNSC Reform

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasised that India and Indonesia share a common and unwavering vision against terrorism, expressing gratitude to the Indonesian leadership for its solidarity during the Pahalgam terror attack.

Speaking at the joint session of the Indonesian Parliament, Kompleks Parlemen Republik Indonesia, he highlighted the shared determination of both nations to confront extremist threats and strengthen global pacifist forces.

He recalled Indonesia’s firm support during the Pahalgam attack, thanking President Prabowo Subianto and the Indonesian Parliament for standing with India in that moment of crisis. He underlined that both countries are working closely through the Joint Working Group mechanism to counter terrorism, focusing on intelligence cooperation, cyber threats, terror financing and deradicalisation.

By enhancing collaboration in these areas, he said, India and Indonesia can reinforce peace and stability worldwide.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo‑Pacific, stressing the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region. He noted that the global order is evolving rapidly, and countries like India and Indonesia must have equal participation and a significant role in shaping it. He declared that reform of the United Nations Security Council can no longer be delayed, insisting that the institution must reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.

In his remarks, Modi also reflected on the historical ties between the two nations. He recalled that both India and Indonesia gained independence around the same time, in 1945 and 1947 respectively. He paid tribute to India’s support for Indonesia’s independence movement at the United Nations, citing the role of Biju Patnaik, who courageously brought Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir and Vice President Mohammad Hatta to India, thereby strengthening the bond between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi is currently on a three‑day visit to Indonesia. Earlier in the day, he held wide‑ranging talks with President Prabowo Subianto, reviewing the entire spectrum of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Their discussions encompassed trade and investment, defence and security, maritime cooperation, digital and financial technology, energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, space, critical minerals and rare earths, culture, tourism, agriculture and people‑to‑people exchanges.

The leaders welcomed the launch of the Indonesia Open Network (ION), modelled on India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), as a step towards deepening digital economic cooperation. To mark the centenary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Indonesia in 2027, Modi announced that both nations would jointly celebrate the occasion as “Tagore‑Dewantara Year for Cultural and Educational Diplomacy”, underscoring the enduring cultural and educational ties between the two countries.

This visit and address are seen as pivotal in reinforcing the India‑Indonesia partnership, ensuring that bilateral cooperation remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving regional and global landscape.

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India And France Launch First Joint Working Group On Critical Minerals Cooperation

France and India have formally launched their first Joint Working Group (JWG) on Critical Minerals in New Delhi, co-chaired by Benjamin Gallezot and Kadam Sandeep Vasant, marking a major step in building resilient supply chains for rare earths and strategic minerals.

This initiative directly supports both nations’ ambitions in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and technological sovereignty.

France’s Inter-Ministerial Delegate for Strategic Minerals and Metals Supplies, Benjamin Gallezot, visited New Delhi on 6–7 July, accompanied by Olivier Frezot, Regional Director for Asia at the Bureau of Geological and Mining Research (BRGM), the French Geological Survey.

On 6 July, Gallezot co-chaired the inaugural India–France Joint Working Group on Critical Minerals with Kadam Sandeep Vasant, Joint Secretary of the National Critical Mineral Mission under India’s Ministry of Mines.

The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation in exploration, processing, and recycling of critical minerals and rare earth elements, with the aim of building resilient and sustainable supply chains.

The exchanges enabled both nations to identify shared interests and outline collaborative projects in France, India, and other strategic countries. BRGM and the Geological Survey of India, which already share a long-standing partnership, participated actively and identified new avenues for joint work to enhance knowledge across the entire critical minerals value chain.

During his visit, Gallezot also met Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor and engaged in an interaction with representatives of Indian companies from diverse economic sectors. This meeting was organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and provided a platform to explore industrial cooperation opportunities.

The visit builds upon the France–India Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in Critical Minerals, signed during President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India in February 2026. This declaration provides a framework for closer cooperation in exploration, mining, research and innovation, diversification of value chains, supply chain resilience, and circularity.

The French Interministerial Delegation for the Supply of Strategic Minerals and Metals, established on 10 December 2022, coordinates the French government’s efforts to secure strategic mineral and metal supplies. It works across ministries to strengthen supply chain resilience and support France’s industrial, energy, and strategic priorities.

Reflecting on the meeting, the French Embassy in India posted on X that Benjamin Gallezot co-chaired the first India–France Critical Minerals Joint Working Group, with the agenda focused on cooperation in exploring, processing, and recycling critical minerals and rare earths to ensure resilient and sustainable supply chains.

Earlier this year, Indian Ambassador to France Sanjeev Kumar Singla announced a letter of intent to establish a centre on advanced materials between India’s Department of Science and Technology and the French institution CNRS, one of the world’s largest scientific organisations specialising in basic research.

He also highlighted the creation of a joint advanced technology development group and the signing of an amendment to the double tax avoidance agreement between the two countries.

According to the joint statement issued by India and France, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Emmanuel Macron agreed to deepen cooperation in exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling technologies of critical minerals and rare earths.

Their objective is to create diversified, sustainable, responsible, and resilient supply chains. Both leaders recognised the pivotal role of critical minerals in supporting the green and digital economy, emerging technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

Both sides welcomed the Joint Declaration of Intent on cooperation in the field of critical minerals, reaffirming their commitment to advancing collaboration in this strategically vital domain.

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PM Modi Stresses Shared Heritage of 'Ramayana, Mahabharata, Garuda' As Cornerstone of India-Indonesia Partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Indonesian Parliament on Tuesday, underscored the profound civilizational and cultural ties that bind India and Indonesia.

He emphasised that the relationship is deeply rooted in shared heritage, citing the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the ancient wisdom of Nalanda as enduring foundations of this bond.

He highlighted that the two nations are connected through Wayang puppetry, dance, and music, as well as through iconic monuments such as Borobudur and Prambanan. Borobudur, located in Java, is the world’s largest Buddhist temple complex, while Prambanan is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex dedicated to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and stand as symbols of the intertwined spiritual and cultural legacies of the two countries.

The Prime Minister also drew attention to Indonesia’s national symbol, Garuda, the vahana of Lord Vishnu, and the annual Bali Yatra festival, which commemorates the 2,000-year-old maritime and cultural links between ancient Kalinga and Indonesia. He noted that these traditions continue to reinforce the shared identity of the two nations.

In a lighter vein, he compared the culinary traditions of both countries, remarking on the crunch of India’s Papad and Indonesia’s Krupuk, while noting that spices and Bumbu remain integral to both cultures. This cultural parallel, he suggested, reflects the everyday connections that enrich the bilateral relationship.

Modi stressed that India, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean itself are witnesses to millennia of shared history. He recalled how ports and ships carried trade and culture across distant lands, and urged Indonesia to join India in elevating their maritime partnership to new heights. He described the ocean not as a barrier but as a bridge that lies at the heart of their shared future.

The Prime Minister declared that India and Indonesia now stand at a pivotal moment in history. With the first quarter of the century behind them, he said the next twenty-five years will be crucial for both nations as they strive to serve humanity together.

He emphasised that democracy is a shared value, one that creates opportunities, builds trust, and shapes the future. He urged that the goodwill and trust between India and Indonesia must be harnessed to create new opportunities for their citizens.

Looking ahead, Modi articulated a vision of collaborative growth anchored in his policy of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. He stressed that India pursues development rather than expansionism, positioning the India-Indonesia alliance as a beacon of trust in the global order. He noted that although the capitals of the two nations are thousands of kilometres apart, the sea separates them by only 150 kilometres, symbolising proximity and partnership.

His remarks came during his July 6–8 visit to Indonesia, undertaken at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. This marks his fourth visit to the country and serves as a vital platform to consolidate a shared outlook on a free and open Indo-Pacific.

The visit is expected to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and reinforce the maritime and cultural bonds that have defined India-Indonesia relations for centuries.

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India To Supply High Quality Wheat Seeds To Indonesia In Landmark Food Security Cooperation

India has announced the supply of 100 tons of high-quality "DWR 162" wheat seeds to Indonesia.

The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta. Both nations committed to building resilient food security systems and elevated their bilateral ties to a “Golden Chapter” of comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Addressing a joint press statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Modi declared that the Indian government would provide specially developed wheat to Indonesia to bolster its food security.

He emphasised that the two sides had also shared solutions regarding mid-day meal schemes and public distribution systems, noting that cooperation in these areas was being taken to the next level.

Prime Minister Modi explained that wheat seeds developed in India would be supplied to Indonesia to help strengthen its food security. He added that best practices in sustainable farming and agrotechnology would be shared, highlighting that the 21st century is driven by technology and that youth have a strong interest in it.

Indonesia does not grow wheat due to its tropical climate and remains fully reliant on imports, making it one of the world’s largest wheat buyers.

India and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, underscored the strategic importance of agricultural cooperation. He stated that both nations are actively building a framework for long-term sustainability.

He reiterated that addressing regional food stability is a priority, with India extending support to Indonesia’s food security needs through the critical supply of 100 tonnes of high-quality "DWR 162" wheat seeds. He described this as part of a broader, sustained engagement aimed at developing resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.

Prime Minister Modi’s State visit to Indonesia also saw the announcement of 20 major outcomes. These included agreements on defence, space, healthcare, agriculture, technology and critical minerals, as both nations agreed to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The outcomes comprised a total of 14 Memoranda of Understanding and agreements, along with six major announcements spanning strategic, economic, technological and cultural cooperation.

This initiative reflects India’s growing role in supporting regional food security while simultaneously strengthening its strategic partnership with Indonesia.

It also highlights the synergy between India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Indonesia’s Emas 2045 developmental roadmap, both of which emphasise sustainability, resilience and technological advancement.

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Iran Strikes Commercial Ships In Strait Of Hormuz After Truce Collapse

Iran has resumed missile strikes in the Strait of Hormuz, hitting commercial vessels and reigniting tensions in the critical energy corridor. According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the Qatari oil tanker Al-Raqayat was targeted after allegedly attempting to transit through the Omani route with US Navy support while ignoring repeated warnings from Tehran.

Iran reiterated its position that the situation in the Strait would not return to pre-conflict conditions and insisted that all shipping must follow routes designated by its authorities.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that a tanker travelling south near Oman was struck by an unknown projectile, which caused a fire onboard. Reports from US officials cited by Axios indicated that Iran fired at least two missiles at commercial vessels transiting the Strait. One ship was hit near the Omani coast, while another vessel was also struck, sustaining significant damage. Despite the severity of the attacks, no casualties were reported among the crews.

The strikes came immediately after the expiry of a one-week agreement between Washington and Tehran to halt hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz. The fragile truce had been brokered to ease tensions but collapsed without progress, as indirect talks in Doha last week failed to resolve disputes over navigation rights. Washington is now expected to retaliate with strikes against Iranian targets, further raising the risk of escalation.

The latest incident follows a series of tit-for-tat exchanges between the US and Iran in recent weeks. Tehran continues to assert that the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding grants it sole responsibility for managing shipping through the Strait. It has strongly opposed the US-backed maritime corridor in Omani waters, arguing that such arrangements violate the agreement and undermine Iran’s authority. 

The insistence on exclusive control reflects Iran’s broader strategy of leveraging the Strait of Hormuz as a geopolitical pressure point, given its role in handling nearly a fifth of global oil and gas shipments.

The renewed attacks have heightened concerns among shipping companies, insurers, and regional states, who fear prolonged instability in one of the world’s most vital energy arteries. With Washington signalling retaliation and Tehran refusing to compromise on its demands, the prospect of restoring safe passage through the Strait remains uncertain.

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Afghan Agriculture Minister Omari Begins Official Visit To India For Bilateral Cooperation

Afghan Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for an official visit to India. His arrival was warmly welcomed by the Ministry of External Affairs, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noting that India looks forward to engaging discussions on issues of mutual interest.

The visit underscores the importance of agricultural and irrigation cooperation between the two countries, which has historically been a cornerstone of their bilateral engagement.

According to the Afghan Embassy in India, Omari is accompanied by a delegation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan.

The delegation is scheduled to meet with Indian counterparts and members of the Indian business community. Discussions will focus on cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, investment, and other areas of mutual interest, reflecting the shared priorities of both nations in strengthening food security and rural development.

India has consistently extended humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, particularly in the health sector. On 17 June, New Delhi delivered five tonnes of essential medicines to Kabul, reaffirming its enduring commitment to the well-being of the Afghan people.

This was part of a broader pattern of support, which has included regular shipments of medical supplies and disaster relief materials.

Earlier, on 11 June, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening Afghanistan’s healthcare system. Medical equipment for diagnosis, treatment, and specialised care was gifted to Afghan health authorities.

The consignment included neonatal and paediatric care devices, cardiograph machines, ventilators, patient monitors, maxillofacial electrocautery, plastic surgery sets, and specialised medical kits. These contributions highlight India’s role in supporting Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare infrastructure.

India’s position on Afghanistan remains consistent and centred on supporting the Afghan people. At a United Nations Security Council meeting in June, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, reiterated that India and Afghanistan are contiguous neighbours and civilizational states with ties spanning centuries.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that India continues to support Afghanistan through initiatives related to food security, healthcare, pharmaceutical assistance, scholarships, and capacity-building opportunities.

India’s sustained engagement reflects its broader vision of fostering peace, stability, and development in Afghanistan.

The visit of Minister Omari is expected to further strengthen cooperation in critical sectors such as agriculture and irrigation, which are vital for Afghanistan’s economic recovery and long-term stability. It also signals India’s intent to deepen its role as a reliable partner in Afghanistan’s development journey, even amid challenging circumstances.

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India And Indonesia To Launch Conservation of Ancient Prambanan Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today that he, along with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, will jointly launch a conservation project for the ancient Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta. 

The temple, dating back over a thousand years, is regarded as a profound symbol of the civilizational and cultural bonds that have connected India and Indonesia for centuries.

In his departure statement, the Prime Minister described the Prambanan Temple complex as another remarkable testament to the enduring ties between the two nations. He emphasised that tomorrow’s launch of the conservation project will highlight the shared heritage and reinforce India’s cultural diplomacy under the Act East policy.

The Archaeological Survey of India is partnering with Indonesian authorities to restore and conserve several smaller temples within the Prambanan complex. The site, built in the 9th century AD, suffered repeated damage due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and political upheavals in the early 11th century.

Rediscovered in the 17th century, the temple complex has since been recognised as one of the largest and most significant Hindu temple sites in Southeast Asia.

The Prambanan Temple complex consists of 240 temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Designed in three concentric squares, the complex includes 224 temples in total. At its heart stands the towering 47‑metre‑high central Siva temple, flanked by the Brahma temple to the north and the Vishnu temple to the south. UNESCO has declared the site a World Heritage property, noting its intricate stone reliefs that depict the Indonesian version of the Ramayana epic.

The temple compounds are celebrated as masterpieces of Siva art from Indonesia’s classical period. Restoration efforts have been ongoing since 1918, employing both traditional interlocking stone techniques and modern reinforcement methods. UNESCO designated the site as Indonesia’s National Cultural Property in 1998.

The temple also serves as a cultural stage, with the Ramayana ballet performed in an open‑air theatre during full moon evenings between May and October.

During his joint press statement with President Prabowo, Prime Minister Modi also announced the upcoming ‘Tagore‑Dewantara Year of Cultural and Educational Diplomacy’. This initiative honours the shared legacy of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore and Indonesia’s first Education Minister, Ki Hadjar Dewantara, underscoring the intellectual and cultural exchanges that have historically enriched both nations.

The Prime Minister is on a two‑day visit to Indonesia at the invitation of President Subianto. The two leaders held a private meeting followed by delegation‑level talks, during which several memorandums of understanding and cooperation agreements were signed. These covered sectors including health and technology, reflecting the broadening scope of bilateral cooperation.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the ‘Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia’, the country’s highest civilian honour. He dedicated the award to the people of India, highlighting the historic bonds and mutual respect that continue to strengthen relations between the two nations.

This conservation project and the broader agreements signed during the visit are expected to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia, reinforcing both cultural and contemporary ties across diverse sectors.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi Rejects Final Deal Talks Amid Trump’s Threats

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has categorically refused to proceed with negotiations on a final deal with the United States if threats from Washington continue.

His remarks came after US President Donald Trump warned that America would “finish the job” if Tehran did not agree to a settlement. Araghchi’s statement was delivered through a post on X, where he shared visuals from the grand funeral procession of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscoring the unity of the Iranian people and their armed forces in the face of external pressure.

Araghchi declared that millions of Iranians had rallied to honour Khamenei’s legacy, and insisted that neither the public nor the armed forces were intimidated by threats. He invoked paragraph 13 of the 14‑point Memorandum of Understanding signed between Iran and the US, which stipulates that negotiations on a final deal cannot commence if threats persist. His message to Washington was clear: “Honour your signature.”

Trump’s comments on Monday had heightened tensions. He stated that the United States would either reach a deal with Iran or “finish the job,” asserting that Washington had the capability to cripple Tehran’s critical infrastructure. He explained that while he preferred a negotiated settlement to avoid affecting Iran’s population of 91 million, the US military could destroy bridges, energy plants, and power‑generating facilities within hours if necessary. He emphasised that Iran had once possessed significant wealth but now lacked financial resources due to US pressure.

The US President further claimed that America could eliminate Iran’s electricity and power generation facilities in a matter of hours, describing how “every plant will be gone.” His remarks followed earlier statements in which he suggested that Washington had the capability to eliminate Iran’s surviving leadership “in one shot” during the funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei, though he added that such an action would leave the US with no one to negotiate with.

Iran strongly condemned Trump’s rhetoric. The Iranian Embassy in Armenia criticised both Trump and the United States, declaring that America could never understand the grief surrounding Khamenei’s death because it “neither has a civilisation, history, nor honour.” This sharp rebuke reflected Tehran’s anger at what it views as Washington’s disregard for Iranian sovereignty and dignity.

Meanwhile, the body of Ayatollah Khamenei has arrived in Qom, transported by helicopter, according to reports from Al Jazeera. State television has continued to broadcast extensive coverage of the funeral, portraying it as a moment of national unity and defiance against external threats. The funeral procession has become a focal point for Iran’s political messaging, reinforcing the narrative that the country will not bow to intimidation.

The situation highlights the fragile state of US‑Iran relations, with Tehran insisting that Washington must respect the terms of the existing memorandum before any progress can be made. Araghchi’s refusal to engage under threat underscores Iran’s determination to resist pressure tactics, while Trump’s remarks reveal Washington’s willingness to combine diplomacy with the threat of overwhelming military force. The coming days will determine whether the two sides can move beyond confrontation towards a negotiated settlement, or whether the rhetoric of threats will push them further apart.

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