Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday departed on a three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, saying the visit will reinforce India's Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision and its commitment to a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Modi will visit Indonesia from Jul. 6 to 8, Australia from Jul. 8 to 10 and New Zealand from Jul. 10 to 11, with the tour aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation across strategic, economic and cultural sectors.
In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said the visits to Indonesia and Australia in the eastern and southern Indian Ocean, followed by New Zealand, would further advance India's regional engagement and Indo-Pacific outlook.
MAHASAGAR, or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions, is India's vision for promoting security and inclusive growth across the region.
During his visit to Indonesia, Modi will hold talks with President Prabowo Subianto. He noted that India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during his visit to the country in 2018 and said this would be his first bilateral visit since then.
The Prime Minister said the visit follows President Prabowo's State visit to India as the Chief Guest for the Republic Day celebrations in January 2025 and is expected to further deepen the longstanding civilisational, cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Modi will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Indonesia and visit the historic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta with President Prabowo, describing it as a symbol of the deep cultural links between India and Indonesia.
From Indonesia, Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
He said discussions with Albanese will focus on expanding the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in areas including defence and security, trade and investment, education, mobility, emerging technologies and sports.
Modi will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Australia, describing it as an important pillar of the bilateral relationship.
The final leg of the tour will take the Prime Minister to Auckland, where he will hold talks with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Modi said the visit would build on the momentum generated during Luxon's visit to India in March 2025. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to enhance economic, trade and commercial cooperation.
He noted that India and New Zealand have committed to strengthening bilateral trade ties through the signing of a Free Trade Agreement and said he also looked forward to addressing the Indian community in New Zealand, recognising its significant contribution to the country's development and the bilateral relationship.