ASEAN-India Bazaar 2026: Strengthening Cross-National Friendship Through Arts and Creative Economy
The ASEAN-India Bazaar 2026 successfully brought together diverse cultures and creative economic potential across nations at the Grand Ballroom, The Westin Hotel, Jakarta, on Saturday, 23 May. The international festival, initiated by Indoindians in collaboration with the Indian Mission to ASEAN, attracted the interest of over 3,000 visitors.
The event served as a strategic platform to strengthen people-to-people relations between India and Southeast Asian countries amid global dynamics. Beyond a mere charity market, the festival transformed into a cultural kaleidoscope showcasing arts, literature and holistic health.
More than 150 exhibitors participated, displaying premium products ranging from handicrafts, designer fashion, jewellery to wellness products. Active participation from embassies of ASEAN nations and the Indian Mission to ASEAN provided visitors with deep insights into the authentic traditions of each country.
The festivities were supported by various interactive activities, including Meditation for Health sessions, Book Club discussions and artistic performances featuring Thai Dance Group and classical Indian Bharatanatyam dance by Nisa Priyanka. The food court area also proved a major attraction with authentic culinary offerings and distinctive coffee aromas.
The opening ceremony was marked by the lighting of ceremonial lamps and the striking of a gong three times. Founder of Indoindians, Poonam Sagar, emphasised the importance of preserving the historical roots of both regions that have long been intertwined.
“This is a celebration of the long and profound relationship that has developed between India and Southeast Asia. This relationship was not built overnight, but rather cemented historically through trade, cultural assimilation, food, arts, exchange of ideas and close people-to-people connections,” said Poonam Sagar in a statement on Sunday, 24 May.
Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, H.E. Ambassador Sandeep Chakravorty, added that strengthening people-to-people relations has become increasingly relevant amid current geopolitical turbulence. The event was attended by important diplomatic figures, including representatives of the 2026 ASEAN Chair and senior officials from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
With careful organisation, the ASEAN-India Bazaar 2026 not only provided an international shopping experience but also laid strong foundations for greater cultural collaboration in the future through the Indoindians platform.