IIM Bangalore će osnovati kampus u Indoneziji; PM Modi najavljuje tijekom bilateralnih razgovora

During a high-profile state visit to Indonesia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi deepened strategic and economic ties with the Southeast Asian nation, marking a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between India and Indonesia. The visit, which took place in July 2026, saw the signing of multiple agreements spanning various sectors including education, technology, and space research. These developments underscored both countries' commitment to enhancing regional stability and countering growing Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.

A central highlight of the visit was the announcement of a new campus for the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) in Indonesia. This initiative was unveiled during a joint press conference held alongside Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The proposed campus will be established within the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Malang. It aims to provide advanced management education tailored to contemporary challenges such as global supply chains, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, climate change, and healthcare management. The program will initially focus on executive education for senior professionals, with plans to eventually offer full-degree programs if the initial phase proves successful. The collaboration will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIMB and PT Intelegensia Grahatama (PT IGT), the entity responsible for developing the Singhasari SEZ.

Beyond the educational sphere, the visit emphasized the importance of technological collaboration between India and Indonesia. During the joint press conference, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the potential for mutual growth in areas such as artificial intelligence, telecommunications, and digital public infrastructure. He noted that both nations share a demographic advantage, with large populations of young individuals who are naturally inclined toward technological innovation. The agreement includes provisions for knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and fostering startup ecosystems between the two countries. Additionally, discussions centered around sustainable agriculture and agro-technologies, reflecting a shared interest in leveraging modern solutions for food security and rural development.

The two nations also expanded their cooperation in the space sector, reinforcing a longstanding partnership that has seen collaborative projects in satellite technology and remote sensing. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the recent agreements would build upon existing foundations, focusing on joint research, technology transfer, and capacity-building efforts. This expansion aligns with India's broader strategy to become a leading player in global space exploration and to foster regional partnerships that support scientific advancement and data-sharing.

The visit included several symbolic gestures, beginning with a ceremonial welcome in Jakarta. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally greeted Modi with a guard of honor, horse-mounted escorts, and traditional cultural performances. The two leaders exchanged warm greetings, including a brief embrace, before proceeding to hold detailed discussions on bilateral and multilateral issues. The agenda covered a wide range of topics, including trade, investment, defense, and regional security, all framed within the context of strengthening India's Indo-Pacific outreach.

Modi's trip to Indonesia was part of a larger diplomatic effort to reinforce India's presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Following his visit to Indonesia, he proceeded to Australia and New Zealand, where similar engagements were planned. These visits aim to solidify India's Act East Policy and its vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The emphasis on regional connectivity, maritime security, and counterbalancing Chinese influence were recurring themes throughout the discussions. In addition to formal meetings, Modi also planned to engage with the Indian diaspora in these countries, highlighting the role of expatriates in promoting cultural and economic ties.

As the agreements signed during the visit take shape, the focus will shift toward implementation and monitoring progress. The establishment of the IIMB campus in Indonesia represents a long-term commitment to education and skill development in the region. Meanwhile, the technological and space collaborations will require sustained investment and coordination between government agencies and private entities. The outcomes of this visit are expected to contribute significantly to the strategic alignment of India and Indonesia, positioning them as key players in shaping the future dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.