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.

 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 arrived in Nice on Saturday night, where members of the Indian community gave him a warm reception. He is set to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron later today.

Warm welcome in Nice

PM Modi landed in the southern French city late evening, and was received at his hotel by a large gathering of Indian-origin residents. Women touched his hands to their foreheads in a traditional gesture of respect, while the Prime Minister picked up a young child affectionately. A cultural programme was also organised at the hotel.

According to local authorities, around 1,500 community members had gathered outside the venue. Many had travelled from other parts of France to attend the reception.

Bilateral talks today

The Prime Minister will meet President Macron on the afternoon of June 14. The two leaders are expected to inaugurate the ‘India Innovates’ programme together. Official sources said the discussions will cover defence, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Sources familiar with the matter indicated that India and France are likely to sign around 12 agreements. These span high-tech sectors including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, health technology, space technology, and innovation.

Rafale deal in focus

A significant part of the conversation will revolve around the proposed deal for 114 Rafale fighter jets. India has sought flexibility to integrate its own indigenous weapons into the aircraft. To enable this, New Delhi intends to raise the issue of source code sharing during the talks.

The deal has not yet received clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security. Officials clarified that a final decision will only be taken after the Prime Minister’s visit concludes.

G7 summit and Trump meeting

PM Modi is on a six-day tour of France and Slovakia from June 13 to 18. This is his seventh visit to France as Prime Minister. From June 16 to 17, he will attend the G7 Summit in Evian. On June 18, he will join President Macron at the VivaTech conference in Paris.

During the G7 Summit, Modi is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump. The two leaders will meet after 16 months – they last held talks in Washington in February 2025. Modi had participated in the G7 Summit in Canada last year, but Trump left midway, preventing a meeting at that time.

First PM visit to Slovakia

On the evening of June 14, the Prime Minister will travel from France to Slovakia. He will remain there until June 15. During this period, he will meet Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister since Slovakia became an independent nation in 1993.

France, India strategic ties

According to a 2025 report by French newspaper Le Monde, France stood by India after the Pokhran nuclear tests when major world powers imposed sanctions. Ignoring American restrictions, Paris continued weapons sales, making France India’s second-largest defence supplier after Russia. India has received Mirage 2000 jets, Rafale fighters, and Scorpene submarines from France.

On international platforms, France has consistently supported India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group. President Macron had accepted India’s invitation as Republic Day chief guest in 2024 after US President Joe Biden declined.

Hormuz alliance possibility

During this visit, a decision may also be taken on India joining the Hormuz defence alliance. India had participated in Paris talks led by Britain in April. Officials said New Delhi favours a multilateral security arrangement under UN rules rather than any single-country initiative.