Foreign Media Highlights Prabowo-Modi Meeting, Notes the Number 8
International media have highlighted the state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Indonesia, marked by his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta. The meeting between the two leaders is seen as an important milestone in strengthening relations between the two largest democracies in Asia, with defence cooperation taking centre stage.
In its report titled ‘Indonesia, India announce long-range missile deal’, AFP reported that Prabowo and Modi agreed to expand cooperation in defence, trade, critical minerals, and maritime security. Following the bilateral meeting, Modi stated that the relationship between New Delhi and Jakarta is increasingly based on ‘growing trust’. ‘Today we reached an agreement to enhance exchanges in defence, disaster management, and industrial cooperation,’ the report quoted Modi, adding that cooperation in defence, security, and maritime affairs will continue to be strengthened. The report also mentioned an agreement on the BrahMos missile system and collaboration on air-to-air missiles. Although the transaction value was not disclosed, the deal is expected to bolster Indonesia’s defence capabilities while boosting India’s defence exports.
Similarly, the Associated Press, in an article titled ‘Modi and Prabowo seal a deal for Indonesia to acquire India’s BrahMos missiles’, noted that the BrahMos agreement was the centrepiece of more than a dozen agreements signed during Modi’s three-day visit. AP News also observed that the deal was reached a day after China tested a long-range ballistic missile, adding a broader strategic dimension to the cooperation between the two nations. ‘Prabowo called Modi’s visit a historic milestone in bilateral relations. He said Indonesia and India agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, security, trade, energy, health, education, and cultural exchange,’ the outlet wrote.
Meanwhile, Times of India, in an article titled ‘The Mystery of 8: Why PM Modi mentioned this number in his Indonesia speech’, focused on Modi’s address. The media outlet explained that Modi linked India’s Republic Day, Prabowo’s birthday on 17 October, and Indonesia’s Independence Day on 17 August, which symbolically all result in the number eight. According to the report, the number eight holds special significance in Indonesia and many Asian countries as it is believed to symbolise prosperity and good fortune. Modi also injected humour by referencing the popular Bollywood song ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, saying the relationship between India and Indonesia would yield ‘bahut kuch’ or ‘much more’ than just ‘kuch kuch’.
Elsewhere, The Hindu, in a report titled ‘PM in Indonesia highlights: Modi addresses Indian diaspora, says country moving forward with mantra of reform, perform and transform’, highlighted Modi’s praise for Prabowo and the Red and White Cabinet ministers. Modi also referred to Prabowo as a ‘true friend of India’, recalling Prabowo’s previous statement that he has ‘Indian DNA’, which Modi said had touched the hearts of millions in his country.