India had formally expressed displeasure with the Indonesian government on Subianto’s decision to travel to Pakistan from New Delhi, where he will be the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations.
Pakistan was not part of his plan until he met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. However, Malaysia was part of his original plan. Indonesia has been among Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member countries that have not backed Pakistan’s position on Kashmir at the forum.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s defence ministry has sent a letter to India seeking a $450 million loan for purchasing BrahMos missiles jointly developed by India and Russia, according to people familiar with the matter.
India is considering offering a loan to Indonesia from either State Bank of India or another state-run bank for the deal and the specifics are being worked out, they said.
ET had first reported earlier this month that purchase of BrahMos missiles would figure prominently on President Subianto’s wish list during the trip despite budget constraints at home.Amid a lack of availability of funds for purchasing BrahMos missiles due to the Subianto government’s sharp focus on social sector projects in the first year in office, Indonesia decided to seek a loan from India for purchasing the state-of-the-art missiles, according to the people.When Subianto visited India as defence minister in 2020, BrahMos missiles were among the key talking points on the agenda of his meeting with his counterpart Rajnath Singh. But the deal could not be finalised owing to the financial constraints of the previous Indonesian government due to Covid-19.
After the Philippines purchased BrahMos missiles from India, Vietnam has finalised purchase of BrahMos missiles and Indonesia could be the third customer in Southeast Asia.
Indonesia has long been seen as a potential importer of the missiles as it is keen to modernise its military. Under its current President the country has a former general who could boost defence industry requirements given Indonesia’s long coastline.
Subianto could also seek India’s support to maintain Sukhoi 30 fighter jets of the Indonesian Air Force. Following the Russia-Ukraine war and Russia’s preoccupation, the Indonesian Air Force has faced some difficulties in maintenance of Su-30s and may approach India, it has been learnt. The Indonesian Air Force has Su-27, Su-30MKK/MK2 and Su-30MKI in its fleet.
