Focus Shifts To Act East As PM Modi Set To Begin Indonesia, Australia & New Zealand Visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand next week, with the government placing renewed emphasis on India’s Act East policy and engagement across the eastern Indian Ocean region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the visit reflects India’s growing strategic focus on the eastern maritime neighbourhood.

The Prime Minister will begin his tour in Indonesia on July 6. During his stay in Jakarta, he will participate in several official engagements.

He will also visit the historic city of Yogyakarta and the Prambanan Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

MEA Secretary (East) Rudrendra Tandon said PM Modi’s recent Seychelles visit strengthened ties in the western Indian Ocean Region, while the upcoming tour shifts attention towards eastern maritime partnerships.

He noted that PM Modi established the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his 2018 visit to Indonesia. He said the partnership has become a key pillar of India’s Act East policy and the MAHASAGAR vision.

Tandon said Indonesia plays a crucial role in maritime security. He added that its strategic location along the Malacca Strait makes it one of the world’s most important sea communication routes.

He added that Indonesia also plays a significant role within ASEAN in promoting a rules-based regional order.

The leaders will review cooperation in maritime security, defence, trade, economic ties and people-to-people exchanges.

PM Modi will visit Australia on July 10 to attend the third India-Australia Annual Summit in Melbourne.

The discussions will cover defence, foreign policy, trade, critical minerals, cybersecurity, supply chain resilience and emerging technologies.

On July 11, PM Modi will travel to New Zealand for talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Tandon said bilateral ties have accelerated following Luxon’s visit to India in 2025 and the signing of the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement. The visit will also mark the first by an Indian Prime Minister to New Zealand in 40 years.

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