India and Indonesia Strengthen Partnership: PM Modi Hosts President Prabowo Subianto for Republic Day 2025
India and Indonesia Strengthen Ties: PM Modi Welcomes President Prabowo Subianto on Republic Day 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at Hyderabad House on January 25, 2025, as part of the Republic Day celebrations. President Subianto, on his first state visit to India since assuming office in October 2024, is the chief guest for this year’s celebrations. The meeting underscored the deep-rooted friendship and strategic partnership between the two nations, highlighting efforts to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.
The discussions between PM Modi and President Subianto focused on bolstering political, defense, and security ties. A key highlight of the talks was the anticipated announcement regarding Indonesia’s interest in procuring BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India. This move is expected to significantly enhance the defense collaboration between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the historical and cultural ties that bind India and Indonesia, mentioning shared efforts in preserving heritage sites. He announced India’s support in the conservation of Indonesia’s Prambanan Hindu temple, adding to earlier contributions towards the Borobudur Buddhist temple. He further stated that 2025 would be celebrated as the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism, aimed at fostering cultural exchange and boosting tourism between the two countries.
PM Modi also stressed the importance of peace, security, and the rule of law in the region, highlighting the commitment of both nations to freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws. His remarks reflected India’s broader vision for a peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, a sentiment echoed in the bilateral discussions.
President Subianto expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and the honor of being the Republic Day chief guest. He described India as a “very great friend” of Indonesia and reiterated his government’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with India. The Indonesian leader expressed his desire to accelerate bilateral economic collaboration, pledging to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and prioritize mutual interests.
The ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan and President Subianto’s visit to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi were notable moments of the day. At Rajghat, he laid a wreath and signed the visitor’s book, reflecting the mutual respect and shared values between the two nations.
India and Indonesia share a robust economic partnership, with trade volumes reaching $29.40 billion in 2023. The relationship, elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during PM Modi’s visit to Indonesia in 2018, has witnessed steady growth. Recent engagements, including the November 2024 meeting between the two leaders at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, have further solidified ties.
As a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy, Indonesia plays a vital role in regional cooperation. The shared vision for maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific underscores the strategic importance of their partnership. With both leaders expressing a strong commitment to strengthening ties, the visit marks a significant step in enhancing India-Indonesia relations.
President Subianto’s visit is set to pave the way for a more comprehensive review of bilateral ties while addressing regional and global challenges of mutual interest. The historic bond between the two nations, coupled with a shared vision for the future, continues to chart a path toward a stronger and more dynamic partnership.
