Finance
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
President Prabowo will be the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, marking an important chapter in the two countries’ relationship.
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita met President Prabowo at the airport upon his arrival in New Delhi on Thursday night.
After the formal greeting, he spoke to reporters and conveyed his sincere appreciation for the honor.
“I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the great honour I received today. Indonesia considers India a very close friend. India was one of the first countries, perhaps the first, to recognise our independence and support us in our struggle for freedom. We will never forget what India did to help us.”
“I am very honoured today, and I am doubly honoured that tomorrow, I will be the chief guest at your Republic Day parade,” the Indonesian President said, adding, “I’m committed to promoting closer cooperation, closer partnership with India. That is my determination.”
Prabowo is in India for the first time since taking office in October 2024.
He will meet with PM Modi at Hyderabad House at noon and take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat later in the day. Press releases and MOUs will be exchanged during the meeting.
Additionally, he has appointments with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Taj Mahal Hotel.
On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on President Prabowo. Sharing the moment on X, Jaishankar said, “Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India. Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties.”
In his departure statement, ahead of his state visit to India, President Prabowo had acknowledged India’s historic support for Indonesia’s independence, stating, “India is a very important friendly country for Indonesia. During our war of independence until 1949, India provided medical aid, financial aid, and other support. For us, India remains a very important friend and partner.”
It’s interesting to note that Sukarno, the first president of Indonesia, attended India’s first Republic Day festivities in 1950 as the Chief Guest. Indonesia has deployed a 352-member detachment of troops from the National Armed Forces, comprising defile troops and a drum band, to take part in this year’s festivities in keeping with this tradition of unity.
With a focus on shared historical links and a vision for improved bilateral relations, President Prabowo’s visit highlights the two countries’ longstanding affinity and expanding cooperation.
Source: IANS
