Highlighting the deep historical and cultural ties between India and Indonesia, President Droupadi Murmu on Saturday emphasized the shared principles of pluralism, inclusiveness, and the rule of law that bind the two nations. Speaking at a banquet hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan in honor of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, President Murmu underlined Indonesia’s critical role in India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific Vision.
Welcoming President Subianto on his first state visit to India, President Murmu said, “Values of pluralism, inclusiveness, and the rule of law are common to both countries, and these shared values have shaped our contemporary relations.”
Reflecting on the historical ties between the two nations, President Murmu recalled that Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, was the Chief Guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950. “This is a historic occasion, as 75 years ago, on our very first Republic Day, we had President Sukarno as the Chief Guest. This reflects the long-standing ties and strong democratic traditions between our countries,” she said.
She also spoke about the millennia-old civilizational links, including the Bali Jatra festival celebrated in Odisha, which commemorates the ancient maritime journeys of Indian traders to Bali and other regions of the Indo-Pacific.
President Murmu described Indonesia as a cornerstone of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and Indo-Pacific Vision, both of which aim to enhance regional cooperation, economic ties, and cultural connections. She reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Indonesia in these shared aspirations.
President Prabowo Subianto, who is in India as the Chief Guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations, was warmly received at the banquet. President Murmu thanked him for accepting the invitation and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the two democracies.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between India and Indonesia across diverse areas, including defense, maritime security, trade, and cultural exchange. President Subianto’s visit serves as a milestone in enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, rooted in shared history and common values.
With President Subianto’s presence at Kartavya Path for the Republic Day celebrations, the historic relationship between India and Indonesia takes another step forward, reinforcing their bond as vibrant democracies in the Indo-Pacific region.
