India supports two-state solution to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict, PM Modi says

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during an Indian community event in Jakarta on Tuesday (July 7, 2026). | Photo credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday (July 7, 2026) that India and Indonesia are set to deepen cooperation on global issues and reiterated the importance of a two-state solution to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Mr. Modi made the remark while addressing the press in Jakarta, where he and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto presided over the signing of several agreements, including those that will allow India to supply Indonesia with the BrahMos supersonic missile system and the Astra Mk-1 beyond the visual range of air-to-air missiles.

“In this period of global turbulence, India believes that the role of dialogue and diplomacy has become more important than ever. On the Palestine issue, we continue to support the two-state solution and the pursuit of lasting peace,” the Prime Minister said, focusing on commonalities between India and Indonesia in addressing issues of global importance.

Synergies with ASEAN

He emphasized the “special importance” of the ASEAN grouping, saying, “There is a strong synergy in our respective prospects for the Indo-Pacific”. A joint statement issued at the end of the official dialogue said Mr Modi and Mr Subianto expressed “deep concern” over the war in West Asia and “its global implications”. “They welcomed the memorandum of understanding signed on June 17, 2026,” the joint statement said, adding that “transit passage through the Strait of Hormuz” must be “in accordance with international law, including the provisions of UNCLOS.”

It further said that the Indonesian president welcomed “India’s interest in partnering on the integrated development of Sabang Port”, which will include maritime industry and “shore-based services supporting offshore energy activities in the Andaman Sea”.

14 agreements signed

The two sides have signed 14 agreements and memorandums of understanding, including two on the BrahMos missile system and air-to-air missiles. Both are “in-principle” agreements aimed at acquiring these weapons systems by Indonesia. The umbrella agreement for the procurement of Astra Mk-1 air-to-air non-visual range missiles is for Indonesia’s fleet of Su-30 fighter jets. The number of missiles to be acquired will be determined during contract negotiations, the official said.

Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited India in November 2025 to discuss the BrahMos missile deal, paving the way for deals during Mr Modi’s visit to Indonesia. Under the proposed arrangement, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), which manufactures the Astra missile, will integrate the weapon system with the Indonesian Air Force’s Su-30 fighter jets.

The Astra Mk-1 is already in operational service with the Indian Air Force and is powered by a solid rocket motor that offers a range of approximately 80-110 kilometers. Co-developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, the BrahMos missile has a range of over 290 kilometers and a speed of up to Mach 2.8.

Indonesia awarded the prime minister its highest award, the “Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia”. Mr. Modi is the second Indian Prime Minister to receive this award. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru received the same award posthumously on December 12, 1995. “It reflects the goodwill of the people of Indonesia and is a tribute to the historic and enduring bonds of friendship between India and Indonesia,” Mr. Modi said in a press statement expressing gratitude to the Indonesian leadership and people for the gesture.

Published – 7 Jul 2026 23:09 IST