Video: F-16, Sukhoi-30 jets welcome PM Modi's aircraft in Indonesian airspace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aircraft was escorted by an F-16 and a Sukhoi-30 as it entered Indonesian airspace before landing in Jakarta. The ceremonial welcome set the tone for talks with President Prabowo Subianto on deepening India-Indonesia ties.

In Short

• Indonesian President receives PM Modi at Jakarta airport
• PM says he was touched by Prabowo Subianto's airport welcome gesture
• PM to hold talks with Subianto, visit Prambanan Temple complex

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm ceremonial welcome from Indonesia on Tuesday, with two fighter jets – an F-16 and a Sukhoi-30 – escorting his aircraft as it entered the country's airspace ahead of his arrival in Jakarta.

A video shared by PM Modi on Instagram showed the two fighter aircraft flying alongside the Prime Minister's plane against a clear blue sky before it landed in the Indonesian capital. Such fighter jet escorts are often accorded to visiting heads of state and government as a mark of respect and friendship.

The F-16 is a single-engine, US-origin multirole fighter, while the Sukhoi-30 is a larger twin-engine fighter developed in Russia. India also operates several squadrons of the Sukhoi-30MKI, a customised version of the aircraft.

PM Modi was later welcomed at the Jakarta airport by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. In a post on X after landing, the Prime Minister said he was "touched" by the Indonesian President's gesture. "I’m touched by President Prabowo Subianto's gesture of welcoming me at the airport," he said.

Indonesia marks the first leg of PM Modi's three-nation visit from July 6 to 11. He will travel to Australia next, before concluding the tour in New Zealand. The Prime Minister will be in Indonesia till July 8.

BOOST TO INDIA-INDONESIA TIES

PM Modi said India and Indonesia's Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, had benefited the people of both countries and expressed confidence that discussions with President Prabowo would further strengthen bilateral cooperation across sectors.

As part of his visit, the two leaders are expected to hold bilateral talks and visit the historic Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, reflecting the shared cultural and civilisational links between the two nations.

PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian community in Jakarta and thanked them for contributing to stronger ties between India and Indonesia.

He also witnessed a traditional Wayang Kulit shadow puppetry performance depicting the Ramayana and attended a Bharatanatyam recital by the Samanvaya Group.

The visit came amid expanding strategic and defence cooperation between the two countries, including Indonesia's decision earlier this year to procure the BrahMos missile system from India.

- Ends