Republic Day 2025: PM Modi Welcomes Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Focus on Peace, Security, and Strategic Ties

Republic Day 2025: PM Modi Welcomes Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Focus on Peace, Security, and Strategic Ties

Republic Day 2025: PM Modi Welcomes Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Focus on Peace, Security, and Strategic Ties

New Delhi, January 25, 2025: In a historic meeting ahead of India’s 76th Republic Day, the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi met the President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto here at Hyderabad House. The visiting head of Indonesia, who landed in India yesterday, on his first state visit since assuming the presidency in October 2024, is scheduled to be the chief guest of this year’s Republic Day functions.

During their meetings, the two leaders highlighted building political, defense, and security cooperation. Among the potential results of the negotiations is Indonesia’s keen interest in purchasing India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, on which an announcement is expected soon.

The subjects have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation further in Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and Digital Public Infrastructure. “The relations between India and Indonesia are thousands of years old,” PM Modi remarked after the talks.

Cultural and Tourism Initiatives Announced

Pointing out the cultural and historical relations between the two countries, PM Modi announced that India would also be contributing to the conservation of Indonesia’s Prambanan Hindu temple, following its involvement with the Borobudur Buddhist temple. He also revealed that 2025 would be celebrated as the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism to promote greater cultural exchange and tourism.

“We are both committed to maintaining peace, security, prosperity, and the rule of law. Freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws must be ensured,” Modi asserted, reflecting on shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation

President Subianto conveyed his “deepest gratitude” at the warm welcome and explained that the talks were “intensive and frank.” He described India as a “very great friend” and promised to minimize red tape in order to speed up cooperation between the two sides.

Five key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed and renewed during the visit. The above includes health, maritime security, traditional medicine, digital development, and cultural exchange. It is expected that such agreements will substantially deepen cooperation in various fields and further strengthen strategic partnership between the two nations.

A Historic Relationship with Modern Momentum

India and Indonesia have a rich history of cooperation, tracing back to the fight for independence and their respective contributions to the Bandung Conference and Non-Aligned Movement. The two nations raised their bilateral ties to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018, which envisions cooperation at sea in the Indo-Pacific region.

With Indonesia being one of India’s largest trading partners in ASEAN, the bilateral trade volume reached $29.40 billion in 2023, complemented by $1.56 billion in Indian investments across various sectors, including infrastructure, textiles, and mining.

President Subianto’s visit with a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat emphasizes the bilateral ties between India and Indonesia towards peace and prosperity in the region and the rest of the world.

The promises and agreements for this visit have paved the way for India and Indonesia to initiate a new level of strategic collaboration, ensuring cooperation and growth among both nations.