PM Modi receives grand welcome in Indonesia, Prabowo makes a big statement
Jakarta: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently visiting Indonesia in the first phase of his three-nation diplomatic tour. During this period, new warmth was seen in the relations between India and Indonesia. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto praised Prime Minister Modi in an open forum and specially underlined his country’s historical and cultural relations with India. He said he is a big fan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and even said “I have Indian DNA in me.” This statement of the President is being considered a symbol of deep cultural and civilizational relations between the two countries.
This visit of Prime Minister Modi is part of the three-nation tour proposed from 6 to 11 July. After Indonesia, he will go to Australia and then New Zealand. The objective of this visit is to strengthen India’s strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region, promote trade and investment and give a new direction to security and technical cooperation.
President Prabowo praised Prime Minister Modi
President Prabowo Subianto gave a special welcome to Prime Minister Modi during the program organized in Jakarta. He said that relations between India and Indonesia are not just diplomatic but based on thousands of years of cultural heritage. In this context, he smilingly said that he has a deep love for Indian culture and feels that Indian DNA is present within him too. He also told that he likes Indian songs, music and culture very much.
Prime Minister Modi also appreciated these emotional words of President Prabowo and said that his statement has won the hearts of crores of Indians. He said that relations between India and Indonesia are not limited to governments only, but there are age-old cultural and spiritual ties between the people of the two countries.
Strategic partnership will get new strength
In the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Modi and President Prabowo, many important topics including defence, maritime security, trade, investment, energy, education, health, digital cooperation and cultural exchange were discussed. Both the leaders agreed to further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
During the meeting, important agreements were also agreed upon that will give a new direction to defense cooperation between the two countries. These also include the agreement related to the BrahMos supersonic missile system, which is being considered an important achievement in the defense relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister also met the Indian community
During his stay in Indonesia, Prime Minister Modi also addressed the Indian community living there. Referring to India’s rapid economic progress, reforms and growing role at the global level, he said that India is today making a significant contribution to the growth of the world economy. He described the Indian diaspora as a strong base of relations between the two countries.
In his address, the Prime Minister mentioned the historical relations between India and Indonesia and said that a common cultural heritage connects the two countries. He also said that cooperation between the two countries will become stronger in the future.
First stop of three country tour
This foreign visit of Prime Minister Modi is considered important towards strengthening India’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region. After the Indonesia visit, the Prime Minister will visit Australia, where he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. During this, topics like defence, trade, education, important minerals, technology and people-to-people contacts are likely to be discussed.
After this the Prime Minister will reach New Zealand, where there will be talks with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on many topics including economic cooperation, trade, investment and Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Besides, a program is also proposed to address the Indian community living there.
Special focus on Indo-Pacific region
According to the Government of India, this visit of the Prime Minister is an important step towards taking forward the ‘Act East Policy’ and ‘MAHASAGAR Vision’. Through this visit, India wants to further strengthen cooperation with its strategic partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Apart from this, there will also be special emphasis on giving new momentum to maritime security, supply chain, defense cooperation, digital technology and economic partnership.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Indonesia has given new energy to the traditional relations between the two countries. The affinity expressed by President Prabowo Subianto towards Prime Minister Modi and India has made this visit more memorable. Experts believe that this visit will give new strength to the strategic, economic and cultural relations between India and Indonesia in the coming years.
