Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited the historic Prambanan Temple, Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex, where he joined Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to inaugurate a major conservation and restoration project. The visit highlighted the deep civilisational and cultural ties between India and Indonesia, while also reinforcing their growing strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.

During his visit to the nearly 1,000-year-old UNESCO World Heritage temple complex, the Prime Minister participated in the temple aarti, received blessings from priests and toured the restored sections of the monument. Speaking at the event, Modi described the visit as a personal and spiritual milestone, saying he had been fortunate throughout his public life to remain connected with Lord Shiva through several sacred sites.

"I have always had the opportunity to be associated with Lord Shiva in one form or another. After Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath Dham and Mahakal Temple in Ujjain, it is my good fortune to contribute to the development of the Prambanan Temple," the Prime Minister said.

Ancient Temple Gets New Conservation Push

Prambanan, built in the ninth century, is Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex and is dedicated to the Trimurti—Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. The towering 47-metre Shiva Temple dominates the complex, while intricate stone carvings depict episodes from the Ramayana and other Hindu scriptures.

The restoration project inaugurated by the two leaders is aimed at preserving the architectural and cultural heritage of one of Southeast Asia's most significant Hindu monuments. Modi later shared aerial visuals of the temple complex, calling it a symbol of the enduring cultural links between India and Indonesia.

India-Indonesia Partnership Expands

The temple visit came a day after India and Indonesia announced a series of strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.

Among the major outcomes was a defence agreement worth approximately ₹5,500 crore, under which Indonesia will procure BrahMos and Astra missile systems from India for the first time. India will also assist Indonesia in developing the strategically important Sabang Port, located near the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

President Prabowo Subianto praised Modi's leadership, saying the Indian Prime Minister had made a significant contribution to elevating relations between the two countries.

Digital India and Economic Progress

Addressing members of the Indian community and local dignitaries, Modi highlighted India's rapid digital transformation and economic growth.

He said nearly half of the world's digital transactions now take place in India, with over 750 million digital payments being made every month. The Prime Minister also pointed to improvements in higher education rankings, semiconductor manufacturing, connectivity and infrastructure as examples of India's development journey.

According to Modi, India's growth is being driven by the vision of inclusive development under the principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas."

Focus on Indo-Pacific Cooperation

The Prime Minister also underlined Indonesia's strategic importance in the Indo-Pacific region, noting its close geographical proximity to India's Great Nicobar Island.

He said India is expanding its maritime capabilities by developing new ports, shipping routes and logistics infrastructure, adding that Indonesia remains one of India's closest and most trusted partners in the region.

The visit comes at a time when geopolitical attention remains focused on the Indo-Pacific due to China's expanding military and maritime activities in the South China Sea. India and Indonesia have increasingly strengthened cooperation on maritime security, regional stability and economic connectivity as part of their broader strategic partnership.

Australia Visit Next

Following the conclusion of his Indonesia visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Melbourne, Australia, for a three-day official visit from July 8 to 10 at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

During the visit, Modi will hold bilateral talks with Australian leaders, meet Governor-General Sam Mostyn, participate in the India-Australia CEO Forum, interact with business leaders, and address the Indian diaspora, with discussions expected to focus on trade, critical minerals, defence cooperation and Indo-Pacific security.