Indonesian President Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Ties with India During State Visit

It is a momentous chapter in India-Indonesia relations as the visiting President Prabowo will be the Chief Guest at India's 76th Republic Day on Sunday.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was given a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday by President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is a momentous chapter in India-Indonesia relations as the visiting President Prabowo will be the Chief Guest at India's 76th Republic Day on Sunday.

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President Prabowo arrived in New Delhi on Thursday evening and was greeted at the airport by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita.

Speaking to reporters after the ceremonial welcome, he expressed deep gratitude for the honour.

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"I would like to express deepest appreciation for the great honor I received today. Indonesia counts India as very close to it. It was one of the first countries, perhaps the first, to recognize our independence and support us in our struggle for freedom. We will never forget what India did to help us."

"I am very honored today, and I am doubly honored 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."

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This is Prabowo's first official visit to India since assuming office in October 2024.

Later in the day, he will lay a wreath at Rajghat and meet PM Modi at Hyderabad House at noon. The meeting will include the exchange of MOUs and press statements.
He will also meet Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at the Taj Mahal Hotel and then meet President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met 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."

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Interestingly, Sukarno, who was the first President of Indonesia, was the Chief Guest at India's inaugural Republic Day celebrations in 1950. Continuing this tradition of camaraderie, Indonesia has also deputed a 352-member contingent of troops from its National Armed Forces, comprising defile troops and a drum band, for participating in this year's celebrations.

The visit of President Prabowo reflects the close relationship and strengthened cooperation between both countries, with respect to shared historical ties and enhanced bilateral relations.

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