Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening for his first official visit to India as the head of state. The primary reason for his visit is to attend India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest, a significant event that underscores the deep and historic ties between the two nations.
Warm Welcome for a Prestigious Guest
President Subianto was greeted at the airport by India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, with great warmth and enthusiasm. Sharing the news on social media platform X, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, “A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. This visit will further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.” This high-profile visit is expected to enhance the already strong partnership between the two countries. Officials have hinted at the possibility of agreements being signed during the visit to bolster cooperation in various key sectors.
Deepening India-Indonesia Relations
The ties between India and Indonesia are rooted in a shared history of cultural exchange and trade, dating back over a millennium. These ties have grown stronger in recent years, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Indonesia in 2018. During that visit, the two nations elevated their relationship to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. A landmark agreement, the Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, was also adopted during Modi’s visit, emphasizing mutual goals in the critical maritime region. The two countries share a commitment to fostering peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Modi and President Subianto last met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2023, where they reiterated their shared vision for deeper collaboration.
Historic Republic Day Participation
President Subianto will become the fourth Indonesian president to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. The first was Sukarno, Indonesia’s founding president, who was the chief guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950. This year’s celebrations will feature a historic highlight: a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will participate in the Republic Day parade at Kartavya Path. This will mark the first time an Indonesian contingent performs at a national day parade outside their own country, showcasing the strength of the bond between the two nations.
Economic and Trade Ties
Economic cooperation forms a crucial pillar of the India-Indonesia partnership. Indonesia is one of India’s largest trading partners in the ASEAN region, with bilateral trade reaching an impressive USD 29.40 billion in 2023. Indian investments in Indonesia stand at approximately USD 1.56 billion, spanning diverse sectors such as infrastructure, power, textiles, steel, automotive, mining, banking, and consumer goods. These investments highlight the mutual benefits of the economic relationship, and both countries are committed to further strengthening trade and investment opportunities.
Expanding Defence and Security Collaboration
Defence and security cooperation between the two nations has seen steady growth, especially after the signing of a Defence Cooperation Agreement in 2018. As close maritime neighbors, India and Indonesia share common security concerns, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Collaborative efforts in this area have bolstered regional stability and strengthened bilateral trust.
Cultural and People-to-People Ties
The cultural and people-to-people connections between India and Indonesia are another vital aspect of their relationship. Indonesia is home to approximately 150,000 people of Indian origin, whose ancestors migrated during the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, there are around 14,000 Indian nationals residing in Indonesia, including professionals in fields like IT, banking, engineering, and entrepreneurship. These communities contribute significantly to Indonesia’s economy while fostering cultural exchange between the two nations.
A Vision for the Future
President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India serves as a milestone in the India-Indonesia partnership. It offers an opportunity to deepen existing ties and explore new avenues for collaboration in trade, defense, culture, and more. As both nations continue to work closely on regional and global platforms, their partnership is set to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
