BY THE WAY: PM’s visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand – A New Chapter in India’s Act East Policy
“Indo-Pacific region has become the most important centre of world politics, the global economy, maritime trade, technological competition, and strategic balance.”
Dr. Noour Ali Zehgeer
Globally, the Indian Prime Minister’s six-day visit to Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand from July 6-11, 2026, which has drawn the world’s attention, is not just a diplomatic visit to three countries, but the most mature and comprehensive manifestation of India’s Act East Policy, which has been in development for over a decade.
This visit comes at a time when the Indo-Pacific region has become the most important centre of world politics, the global economy, maritime trade, technological competition, and strategic balance. Nearly half the world’s population, a significant portion of global GDP, and the vast majority of international maritime trade pass through this region.
In this context, I believe that India’s active, balanced, and multifaceted leadership in this region is not only an extension of India’s foreign policy but also a redefinition of its global role. This is why this visit is being seen as a new chapter in the Act East Policy. This visit is not just a routine foreign tour, but rather a symbol of the changing global order in which India is establishing itself as a responsive, reliable, and decisive partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
The world is watching India closely. The visit aims to give new impetus to India’s Act East Policy, a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, maritime security, trade, technology, defence cooperation, critical minerals, supply chains, and people-to-people relations. Bilateral talks with the top leadership of the three countries, dialogues with the business community, and outreach programs with the Indian diaspora are planned.
Today the centre of global geopolitics is rapidly shifting to the Indo-Pacific. A large portion of global maritime trade passes through this region, while energy supplies, digital connectivity, and global production networks also depend on it. At this time, India’s objective is not only to ensure its own security, but also to strengthen a system that respects international law, freedom of navigation, and the sovereignty of all nations. This is why many international experts consider this visit to be one of the most important diplomatic initiatives of 2026. India’s Act East Policy is no longer limited to cultural ties with Southeast Asia. It has become a comprehensive framework of economic, strategic, technological, and maritime partnerships. Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand are three important pillars of this strategy.
Indonesia is the world’s largest Muslim-majority democracy and its strategic location near the Strait of Malacca is crucial. Australia is a key partner in critical minerals, defence cooperation, and Indo-Pacific security, while there are vast possibilities for cooperation with New Zealand in the fields of trade, agriculture, education, and innovation. The most important strategic dimension of this visit is seen against the backdrop of China’s growing influence. India has not adopted a policy of direct confrontation anywhere, but supports a rules-based international order and a balanced power structure. India is expanding cooperation with like-minded countries on issues related to the South China Sea, sea lanes, and regional security. Many analysts believe that this visit does not convey a message of military alliance, but rather a signal of regional stability, balance, and partnership. Relations between India and Indonesia hold special significance in this visit. Both countries are located in the maritime region connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Topics such as defence cooperation, maritime surveillance, digital partnerships, port development, and potential defence exports are on the agenda. Discussions on the BrahMos missile and maritime security cooperation, in particular, are gaining traction in the international strategic community.
The relations with Australia have strengthened at an unprecedented pace in recent years. Today, the two countries are not only democratic partners but also important strategic partners. Défense exercises, maritime security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, clean energy, education, science, and the supply of critical minerals have become key pillars of this relationship. Lithium, cobalt, and other critical minerals are crucial for India’s energy transition and semiconductor industry. The global economy is undergoing a restructuring of supply chains. The pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and regional conflicts have prompted countries to seek reliable partners. India wants to seize this opportunity to position itself as a “reliable manufacturing hub.” If new agreements on trade, investment, logistics, and critical minerals are reached during this visit, they could have a tangible impact on Indian industry, employment, and exports.
The visit to New Zealand is particularly significant because it is considered the first significant state visit by an Indian Prime Minister in decades. New possibilities for cooperation can open up in areas such as agricultural research, dairy technology, food processing, education, tourism, and free trade. People-to-people ties between the two countries and the Indian community are also important links in this partnership. India’s maritime policy is no longer limited to coastal security. Humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, anti-piracy operations, marine environmental protection, and secure maritime trade routes in the Indian Ocean are part of India’s comprehensive strategy. In this context, India’s vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific has also become important to the global community.
The meetings with the business community on this visit are also of particular importance. India is today among the world’s fastest-growing major economies. India’s ability to attract foreign investment is steadily increasing in sectors such as digital payments, startups, green energy, defence manufacturing, and semiconductors. If new partnerships are formed in these areas, they could have a positive impact on the Indian economy and the long-term investment climate. The Indian diaspora is an important dimension of this entire journey. People of Indian origin settled in Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia are making significant contributions to education, business, science, medicine, and public life. Interaction with these communities further strengthens India’s soft power and cultural diplomacy. Experts believe that the 21st-century world order will not be determined solely by military power. Technology, supply chains, maritime connectivity, artificial intelligence, clean energy, climate cooperation, and trusted partnerships will be the true foundations of future power. This journey by India is an attempt to integrate all these dimensions. The most important dimension of this entire journey is India’s growing role in the strategic architecture of the Indo-Pacific. India has consistently made it clear that its objective is not to form a military alliance against any country, but to create a regional environment where the sovereignty of all countries is respected, sea lanes are secure, international laws are followed, and all countries, large and small, have equal opportunities. This approach establishes India as a balanced, credible, and responsible power.
(STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS EXCLUSIVE)
