India’s Development Models Win Global Recognition as Indonesia Looks to Deepen Strategic Partnership
From UPI and ONDC to Jan Aushadhi and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, India’s successful public policy initiatives are set to shape a new era of cooperation during Prime Minister Modi’s Indonesia visit.
India’s global influence continues to expand beyond diplomacy and defence, with its innovative governance and digital transformation models now inspiring nations around the world. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins his three-nation tour of Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand, Indonesia is preparing to deepen collaboration by adopting several of India’s successful public policy and technology-driven initiatives.
Over the years, Indonesian delegations have visited India to study the country’s achievements in digital public infrastructure, food security, agricultural reforms, and social welfare. India’s Public Distribution System (PDS), rice fortification programme, fertiliser subsidy reforms, and AgriStack have emerged as valuable models for Indonesia’s own development journey.
One of the most significant areas of cooperation is digital payments. The proposed UPI–QRIS linkage will enable seamless cross-border transactions for tourists and businesses, making travel and trade easier for nearly 1.7 million Indian visitors to Indonesia each year.
India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has also inspired Indonesia’s Indonesian Open Network (ION), a platform designed to empower more than 65 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The first live transaction under the Beckn 2.0 protocol is expected during the Modi–Prabowo summit, highlighting the growing technological partnership between the two nations.
Indonesia’s ambitious Digital Nusantara initiative is also drawing heavily from India’s expertise in Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, e-KYC, and ONDC, with the goal of building an integrated national digital ecosystem and eventually becoming a producer and exporter of digital solutions across ASEAN.
Beyond technology, India’s social welfare programmes are shaping Indonesia’s public policy. The country’s Free Nutritious Meals programme is inspired by India’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme, while its Red and White Village Cooperatives initiative is exploring collaboration with India’s Jan Aushadhi model to improve affordable healthcare access in rural communities.
Defence cooperation is also gaining momentum. The two countries are expanding collaboration in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, military training, and maritime security, with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative serving as a model for indigenous defence production.
As Prime Minister Modi’s visit unfolds, the growing partnership reflects a powerful reality—India is no longer just sharing products or services with the world; it is exporting ideas, innovation, and governance models that are helping shape the future of friendly nations. The strengthening India–Indonesia relationship stands as a testament to the country's rising global leadership and its role as a trusted partner in sustainable development, digital transformation, and strategic cooperation.
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