India and Indonesia have announced a strategic partnership for the integrated development of Sabang Port, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen maritime connectivity, regional trade, and security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Indonesia following bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, as both nations elevated cooperation across defence, maritime infrastructure, critical minerals, and economic development.
Located at the northern tip of Indonesia’s Aceh province, Sabang Port occupies a strategically significant position near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes. The two countries agreed to pursue the integrated development of the port and surrounding infrastructure to enhance commercial shipping, logistics efficiency, and maritime connectivity while supporting the broader vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
The initiative builds on the maritime cooperation framework established between India and Indonesia in 2018 and is expected to complement India’s maritime infrastructure development efforts in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The enhanced collaboration is also aimed at improving supply chain resilience, facilitating trade flows, and strengthening disaster response and maritime domain awareness in the region.
The Sabang Port partnership formed part of a broader package of strategic agreements signed during the visit, including cooperation in defence, critical minerals, agriculture, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and space. Among the major outcomes were agreements related to the supply of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile system and Astra air-to-air missiles to Indonesia, underscoring the growing strategic depth of bilateral ties.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a strong emphasis on maritime security, sustainable economic growth, and regional stability. The integrated development of Sabang Port is expected to emerge as a key pillar of this partnership, enhancing connectivity between the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia while supporting greater economic integration and strategic cooperation between the two countries.