Modi Signs Deals With Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand to Deepen Indo-Pacific Ties

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing Bloomberg, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used recent visits to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand to sign a series of agreements aimed at deepening India’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, including a deal to sell BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia and cooperation with Australia spanning defense, energy, and critical minerals. The report said Australia has agreed to supply uranium for India’s civilian nuclear program, and the two countries also agreed to expand energy cooperation and launched an initiative on critical minerals and technology supply chains. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon met Modi on Saturday, July 11, and said New Zealand would manage its relationship with China pragmatically while working with like-minded countries to advance national interests. The report also noted Australia and Fiji signed a “Pacific Peace” defense agreement earlier this month, with New Zealand considering joining, and said U.S. President Donald Trump has urged allies to take on greater security responsibilities in the Indo-Pacific while restoring the name of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to U.S. Pacific Command.