Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, as India and Indonesia elevated their strategic partnership by signing 20 agreements spanning defence, technology, education, healthcare and maritime cooperation.

The honour was presented by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. President Prabowo said the award recognises Modi's contribution to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries.

Defence cooperation emerged as the centrepiece of the visit. Indonesia agreed to procure additional units of India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, becoming the third foreign country after the Philippines and Vietnam to acquire the missile system. Jakarta also decided to purchase India's indigenous Astra air-to-air missile, further deepening defence ties between the two nations.

The agreements were signed during delegation-level talks between the two leaders, reflecting growing strategic convergence in the Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Partnership Expands

Prime Minister Modi described the bilateral relationship as entering a "golden chapter", saying the growing trust between the two countries would strengthen cooperation in defence, maritime security, disaster management and industrial collaboration.

Both sides agreed to enhance defence exchanges, expand coast guard cooperation and work jointly to improve maritime security across the Indian Ocean. The leaders also discussed increasing collaboration in the blue economy, port development and maritime trade.

India and Indonesia are also expected to jointly develop the strategically significant Sabang Port, located near the Strait of Malacca, a key global shipping route close to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Technology, Education and Healthcare Cooperation

Beyond defence, the two countries announced several initiatives focused on technology and human resource development.

India will support Indonesia in developing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), marking another step in institutional cooperation between the world's two largest democracies. Both countries also signed agreements covering artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, telecommunications and startup collaboration.

Prime Minister Modi announced that a campus of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore will be established in Indonesia, aimed at benefiting students across the ASEAN region.

In healthcare, India pledged to improve access to affordable Indian medicines in Indonesia while extending training and capacity-building support for Indonesian doctors and healthcare professionals.

Support for Regional Stability

Addressing a joint press conference, Modi reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective path towards lasting peace.

He also reaffirmed India's commitment to ASEAN centrality and highlighted that democratic values and diversity continue to form the foundation of India-Indonesia relations.

President Prabowo praised several of Modi's governance initiatives, saying Indonesia has studied and adopted a number of Indian development programmes because of their success in improving public welfare.

Cultural and Historic Links

India and Indonesia share centuries-old civilisational ties dating back nearly 2,000 years. Hindu and Buddhist traditions have significantly influenced Indonesian culture, particularly in Bali and Java.

Later during his visit, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to address the Indian diaspora in Jakarta before visiting Prambanan Temple, Indonesia's largest Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marking his first visit to the historic complex.

The visit is expected to further reinforce India's Act East policy while expanding strategic, economic and cultural engagement with one of Southeast Asia's most important partners.

 Indian-origin businessman Gaurav Srivastava, who is already facing multiple fraud-related cases in the United States, has been accused of orchestrating a major defence-linked fraud in Indonesia by allegedly posing as a covert operative of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), according to a joint investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Indonesian magazine Tempo.

The investigation alleges that Srivastava cultivated a close relationship with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who was serving as the country's defence minister at the time, by falsely claiming to have links with the CIA. Investigators claim he secured a fraudulent loan worth approximately ₹425 crore in the name of proposed defence procurement projects between 2020 and 2022.

Defence Procurement at Centre of Allegations

According to the investigation, Srivastava allegedly promised to facilitate the acquisition of advanced military equipment for Indonesia, including 36 F-15 fighter aircraft, Black Hawk helicopters, C-130 transport aircraft, and sophisticated military command systems.

The proposed fighter jet deal alone was reportedly valued at nearly ₹1.32 lakh crore.

Investigators further alleged that the transactions were routed through four shell companies, which were later shut down after reportedly failing to meet tax obligations.

Luxury Property Purchased with Alleged Fraud Proceeds

The report also claims that Srivastava used funds obtained through the alleged scheme to purchase a luxury mansion in Los Angeles worth around ₹208 crore.

He has reportedly been facing several fraud-related legal cases in the United States since 2024.

Claims of Close Access to Indonesian Leadership

The OCCRP-Tempo investigation alleges that Srivastava won the confidence of Prabowo Subianto, who allegedly referred to him as "Mr G."

According to the report, Srivastava impressed Indonesian officials by sharing personal details about Prabowo that were believed to be known only to close associates. Investigators also claim he told officials he had played a role in tracking suspects involved in the 2002 Bali bombings and had helped remove Prabowo's name from a US immigration blacklist.

These claims have not been independently verified.

Indonesia Says No Financial Loss Incurred

Responding to the allegations, Indonesian Defence Ministry spokesperson Riko Sirait stated that none of the proposed defence procurements progressed to the stage of a final agreement.

He said that because no contracts were executed, the Indonesian government did not suffer any direct financial loss.

Alleged False CIA Identity

Court documents cited in the investigation allege that Srivastava falsely portrayed himself as a "non-official cover" (NOC) operative working for the CIA.

He allegedly claimed to have trained at the agency's secret training facility known as "The Farm" and told associates he had participated in covert missions across several countries. The lawsuit also alleges he fabricated stories of being captured by ISIS during a mission in Congo and escaping captivity, while attributing scars on his body to classified operations.

US court filings and media reports further allege that Srivastava used photographs with senior American political leaders—including former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, and Senator Chuck Schumer—to bolster his credibility. Investigators, however, said these interactions were linked to political donations and attendance at public events rather than any official government role.

The allegations remain under legal scrutiny, and investigations in both the United States and Indonesia are ongoing.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun his three-nation visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, with the tour expected to further strengthen India's strategic partnerships, expand economic cooperation and deepen people-to-people ties across the Indo-Pacific region.

The visit, which started on July 6, is scheduled to continue until July 11. During the tour, the Prime Minister will hold bilateral meetings with the leaders of all three countries and interact with members of the Indian diaspora.

Before departing, Modi said the visit reflects India's commitment to its Act East Policy, MAHASAGAR Vision, and a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

Indonesia Visit Underway

The Prime Minister is currently in Indonesia at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. This marks Modi's first bilateral visit to the country since 2018, when India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The visit follows President Prabowo's State Visit to India earlier this year, when he attended the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, as the Chief Guest.

During his stay in Indonesia, Modi is expected to hold delegation-level talks with President Prabowo covering key areas of bilateral cooperation. He is also scheduled to meet members of the Indian community and visit the historic Prambanan Temple Complex in Yogyakarta, highlighting the centuries-old cultural and civilisational links between the two countries.

Australia Visit Next

After concluding his Indonesia engagements, Prime Minister Modi will travel to Melbourne at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

The two leaders are expected to review progress in the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discuss ways to enhance cooperation in defence and security, trade and investment, education, transport, emerging technologies, sports and sports science.

The Prime Minister will also interact with the Indian diaspora in Australia, which he described as an important pillar of bilateral relations.

New Zealand to Be Final Leg

The final leg of the visit will take the Prime Minister to Auckland, where he will meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

The discussions are expected to build on the momentum created during Prime Minister Luxon's visit to India in March 2025. Both countries are expected to focus on expanding economic, trade and commercial cooperation while exploring new opportunities under the recently signed Free Trade Agreement.

Modi is also scheduled to address members of the Indian community in New Zealand, recognising their contribution to strengthening bilateral ties.

Focus on Indo-Pacific Cooperation

The Prime Minister said the three-nation tour demonstrates India's growing engagement with countries across the eastern and southern Indian Ocean region.

He expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen partnerships in strategic sectors, enhance regional cooperation and reinforce India's vision of a secure, prosperous and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

The tour is expected to give fresh momentum to cooperation in trade, connectivity, technology, security and cultural exchanges while reaffirming India's commitment to closer engagement with key Indo-Pacific partners.

3 hikers killed as Mount Dukono erupts in Indonesia; rescue ops on for missing trekkers

At least three hikers, including two Singaporean nationals, were killed and several others remain missing after Mount Dukono in eastern Indonesia erupted early Friday morning. The sudden eruption sent a massive plume of volcanic ash nearly 10 kilometres into the sky, catching a group of trekkers deep within a restricted danger zone.

Casualties confirmed in restricted zone

Local authorities confirmed that the deceased include two foreign nationals from Singapore and one Indonesian resident from Ternate island. The group, reportedly consisting of around 20 hikers, was on the slopes of the 1,335-metre volcano when the blast occurred at approximately 7:41 a.m. local time.

North Halmahera Police Chief Erlichson Pasaribu stated that the hikers were positioned well within the 4-kilometre exclusion radius, an area that has been strictly off-limits since mid-April. While 15 hikers have reportedly been accounted for—some with minor injuries—the status of at least three others remains unclear as search teams navigate the volatile terrain.

Rescue efforts hit by terrain

Rescue operations involving joint teams from Basarnas (the national search agency) and the military are currently underway, though progress has been slow. Volcanic tremors and a continuous "booming sound" from the crater have made it dangerous for teams to reach the higher elevations where the bodies of the victims are believed to be located.

"The terrain is extremely difficult, and the victims will need to be carried down on stretchers once reached," Pasaribu told local media. He added that the ongoing rumbling and ash fall are significant hurdles for the evacuation teams operating near the Malupang Warirang crater.

Massive ash cloud triggers alert

The eruption was recorded on seismographs for over 16 minutes, creating a column of thick grey smoke that rose 10,000 metres above the summit. Lana Saria, head of Indonesia’s Geology Agency, warned that the ash is currently drifting northward. This has put Tobelo City and surrounding residential clusters at risk of "ash rain," prompting authorities to distribute masks and advise residents to stay indoors.

Hikers ignored safety warnings

Officials have expressed frustration over the incident, noting that Mount Dukono has been on a Level 2 alert status for months. Warning signs and social media advisories were reportedly ignored by the group, who were allegedly accompanied by a local guide and porter.

"Local residents generally understand the risks and avoid the climb, but many tourists are driven by the desire to create social media content," Pasaribu noted. Authorities are currently questioning the surviving guides to determine how the group bypassed security checkpoints to enter the prohibited zone.

Living on the Ring of Fire

This latest tragedy underscores the constant volcanic threat in Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire." With nearly 130 active volcanoes, the archipelago is one of the most seismically active regions globally. Mount Dukono itself has been restless since March, recording nearly 200 minor eruptions before Friday's fatal blast.

Volcanologists expect the activity to remain high over the next 48 hours. Rescue teams remain on standby at the Mamuya village monitoring station, waiting for a safe window to retrieve the deceased and locate any remaining survivors.