Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path today, echoing a historic connection between the two nations. In 1950, Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, was the Chief Guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day. This year, President Subianto will become the fourth Indonesian leader to be honored in this role, symbolizing the enduring ties between the two countries.
Adding a historic first, a 352-member Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in the Republic Day Parade, marking the first time an Indonesian contingent has taken part in a national day parade abroad.
India and Indonesia share centuries-old cultural and maritime connections. The Bali Yatra festival in Odisha, commemorating ancient trade voyages to Bali, is a testament to these shared linkages. Indonesia remains one of India’s largest trading partners in the ASEAN region, with bilateral trade reaching $29.40 billion in 2023-24. Indian investments in Indonesia, amounting to $1.56 billion, span sectors such as infrastructure, power, textiles, automotive, and consumer goods.
As a newly inducted member of the BRICS group, Indonesia has expressed gratitude for India’s support in facilitating its membership, further strengthening the bond between the two emerging economies.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted President Subianto for a meeting at Hyderabad House in Delhi. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasizing cooperation in defense, maritime security, economic ties, and people-to-people connections.
The visit also saw the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas such as health, traditional medicine, and maritime security, further enhancing collaboration between the two nations.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet in honor of President Subianto at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Thanking him for accepting the invitation to be the Chief Guest, President Murmu highlighted the significance of the occasion by recalling Indonesia’s historic role in India’s first Republic Day in 1950.
“This reflects the long-standing ties and shared democratic traditions between India and Indonesia,” President Murmu remarked.
President Subianto’s presence at the Republic Day celebrations and the participation of the Indonesian contingent underline the growing synergy between the two nations, paving the way for deeper cooperation in the years to come.
