F-16 and Sukhoi-30 jets escort PM Modi’s aircraft in Indonesian airspace, video goes viral

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rare aerial honour as Indonesian Air Force fighter jets, including F-16s and Sukhoi-30s, escorted his aircraft as it entered Indonesian airspace, according to visuals that have gone viral on social media.

The video shows fighter jets flying in formation alongside PM Modi’s aircraft, marking a ceremonial welcome as he began his visit to Indonesia, the first stop of his ongoing diplomatic tour. The gesture is seen as a display of close strategic and defence ties between India and Indonesia.

Upon arrival, PM Modi was also received by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the airport. The warm reception included formal ceremonial honours, reflecting growing cooperation between the two countries in defence, trade and regional security.

Such aerial escorts by fighter jets are typically reserved for visiting heads of state and high-level diplomatic delegations. Indonesia’s F-16 and Sukhoi-30 aircraft accompanied the Prime Minister’s plane briefly before handing over escort duties as it approached the airport.

The visit marks an important step in strengthening India’s engagement with Southeast Asia, with discussions expected to focus on defence cooperation, maritime security, trade, and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The visuals of the fighter jet escort quickly circulated online, drawing widespread attention as a symbol of the deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Jakarta.