Prabowo Subianto, the newly elected President of Indonesia, is expected to be the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations, according to sources.
This visit holds particular significance as India and Indonesia are commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations. The close ties between the two nations have fostered strong collaboration in various sectors.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Subianto first met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio last year. During their meeting, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations under the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They emphasized the importance of celebrating this milestone occasion in a meaningful manner, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
“Indonesia and India share long-standing and excellent relations. We deeply value this partnership and are committed to expanding cooperation across various sectors,” President Subianto said, according to the Cabinet Secretariat of Indonesia.
In October 2024, Prabowo Subianto was sworn in as the eighth President of Indonesia, alongside Gibran Rakabuming, the son of former President Joko Widodo, who was elected Vice President.
During his swearing-in ceremony, India was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.
Previously, Subianto visited New Delhi in 2020 while serving as Indonesia’s Defence Minister. According to the Embassy of India in Indonesia, he was the first foreign minister to visit India during the COVID-19 pandemic. During his visit, Prabowo held extensive discussions with India’s Defence Minister and National Security Advisor on various bilateral matters.
Reports from Pakistani media outlets had speculated that President Subianto might also visit Pakistan. However, no official confirmation has been provided. In December 2024, Radio Pakistan reported that Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had extended an invitation to President Subianto to visit Pakistan on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo. Radio Pakistan noted that Subianto had graciously accepted the invitation.
India and Indonesia share cordial and friendly ties. The first Republic Day Parade was held on 26 January 1950, where Indonesia’s first President, Sukarno, was the Chief Guest. Notably, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo attended India’s Republic Day celebrations in 2018, along with leaders from ASEAN nations.