India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy: Exporting Defence to Indonesia, Securing Energy from Australia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand highlighted India’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific, one that combines defence exports with long-term energy security. While the Indonesia leg showcased India’s emergence as a supplier of advanced military technology, the Australia visit focused on securing critical energy resources and strengthening strategic cooperation.

In Indonesia, India concluded a landmark agreement for the export of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system. The deal represents a major boost to India’s defence-export ambitions and could strengthen Indonesia’s maritime deterrence capabilities. It also reflects growing cooperation between two strategically located Indo-Pacific nations.

India–Indonesia defence ties have developed gradually. A Defence Cooperation Agreement was signed in 2001 and renewed in 2018, when both countries elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cooperation has since expanded through military exercises, maritime security initiatives and defence-industry engagement.

In contrast, India’s partnership with Australia combines defence cooperation with energy security. During Modi’s visit, the two countries adopted a new declaration to deepen military engagement, maritime security and defence-industrial collaboration. More significantly, they operationalised their civil nuclear cooperation framework, opening the way for Australian uranium supplies to support India’s growing clean-energy requirements.

The foundation was laid through the India–Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signed in 2014. The latest understanding gives renewed momentum to uranium trade while expanding cooperation in critical minerals, renewable energy and green hydrogen.

Together, the two partnerships reveal a complementary strategy: India is exporting strategic capability to Indonesia through BrahMos missiles while importing energy security from Australia through uranium and critical resources. One strengthens India’s position as a defence manufacturer; the other supports its long-term energy transition together expanding New Delhi’s strategic influence across the Indo-Pacific.