JAKARTA, Indonesia - India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto finalized a significant defense agreement on Tuesday. This pact enables Jakarta to purchase the Indian BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.

The accord, one among more than a dozen reached during Modi's three-day visit to Indonesia, represents the first stop on his overseas trip to Indo-Pacific nations. Concluded shortly after China tested a long-range ballistic missile, the agreement is set to strengthen India's defense exports while deepening strategic ties between Jakarta and New Delhi.

Addressing reporters alongside Modi at Merdeka Palace, Indonesia's primary presidential office, Prabowo described the visit as a historic milestone in bilateral relations. He noted that both nations had committed to expanding collaboration in defense, security, trade, energy, health, education and cultural exchanges.

"We are two of the world's largest democracies. Cooperation between our countries will certainly bring benefits to the region," Prabowo said.

Modi observed that relations between India and Indonesia have acquired fresh momentum in recent years, with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership launched in 2018 continuing to expand.

"We are making significant strides in every field, including development, security, technology, culture and education," Modi said.

The Indian missiles are produced by BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited.

Additional agreements reached on Tuesday encompass enhanced maritime security cooperation, reflecting shared strategic interests along vital shipping lanes connecting the Indian and Pacific oceans.

Modi arrived in Jakarta on Monday afternoon to a warm reception, with his aircraft escorted by three fighter jets upon entering Indonesian airspace. Prabowo greeted him on the tarmac at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, highlighting the priority Jakarta assigns to its partnership with New Delhi.

Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty noted that Modi is also slated to address Indonesia's Parliament on Tuesday before joining an evening gathering with the Indian community. He added that the visit underscores growing cooperation between two of Asia's most influential democracies.

"In the recent geopolitical context, closer ties between two leaders of the Global South are very essential so that we give the message to the world that we are together and we work for each other's strength," Chakravorty told reporters ahead of the visit.

Modi is scheduled to travel to the ancient city of Yogyakarta on Wednesday, where he may announce the launch of an Indian-supported restoration project at the Hindu temple of Prambanan, one of Indonesia's premier cultural heritage sites. The initiative follows an accord reached during Prabowo's visit to India.

Indonesia and India are member states of the Group of 20 major developing countries and emerging economies as well as BRICS.

Modi will proceed to Australia the same day to meet his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese.