Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto engaged in high-level bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi on Saturday, marking a significant step toward reinforcing India-Indonesia relations. During the meeting, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering a broad spectrum of cooperation including health, digital infrastructure, and defence.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of Indonesia as a key partner within the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the broader Indo-Pacific region. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN’s unity and centrality, stressing the significance of Indonesia’s role in advancing peace, security, and prosperity across these regions.
“The year 2025 will be celebrated as India-ASEAN Year of Tourism, which will further boost cultural exchanges and tourism between our nations,” PM Modi stated, underscoring the importance of strong bilateral ties. He also reaffirmed both countries’ mutual commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
In a nod to the historical relationship between India and Indonesia, PM Modi remarked, “Indonesia was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day celebration, and as we mark 75 years of the Republic, it is an honor that Indonesia continues to play such an important role in our shared history.”
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the announcement of increased cooperation in several key sectors, including Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital public infrastructure. The growing bilateral trade between the two nations, which crossed $30 billion last year, was also discussed as a testament to the strengthening economic ties.
Both leaders also focused on enhancing cooperation in maritime security, counter-terrorism efforts, and capacity building. They stressed the importance of joint efforts in areas such as cyber security, crime prevention, search and rescue, and deradicalization.
The discussions also covered energy, critical minerals, and space exploration, with an emphasis on joint ventures in these sectors. Additionally, PM Modi expressed India’s commitment to preserving and promoting cultural and historical ties, referencing the significance of shared heritage, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and India’s role in the conservation of Indonesia’s Prambanan Hindu Temple.
During the talks, President Prabowo Subianto expressed his gratitude towards India for its continued support, both historically and in present times. He highlighted that Indonesia deeply values India’s assistance during its independence struggle and appreciated India’s support for Indonesia’s permanent membership in the BRICS grouping.
Prabowo, who is the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations this year, also noted the historic significance of his role, recalling that Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, was the first chief guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day parade. He also mentioned the participation of the Indonesian military contingent in the Republic Day parade for the first time outside of Indonesia.
In closing, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fostering peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. They also expressed their intention to strengthen the long-term strategic partnership between India and Indonesia, based on shared interests and mutual cooperation across various sectors.
The meeting between PM Modi and President Prabowo Subianto has set a clear direction for further deepening the India-Indonesia relationship, with an emphasis on collaborative efforts that benefit both nations and contribute to global stability.
Sources By Agencies
