PM Modi: India-Indonesia Relations Enter a Golden Era
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi believes Indonesia and India are entering a new chapter in bilateral relations, supported by historical closeness, democratic values, and a shared vision for building the future. He stated that both countries possess a strong foundation to advance towards an era of closer partnership.
During a joint press conference with President Prabowo Subianto at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday, PM Modi said the relationship between India and Indonesia is built not only on economic and political cooperation but is also rooted in centuries-old cultural and historical ties. “A golden era is knocking on the doors of both our nations. We share a common culture in history, a common belief in the present, and common prosperity in the future. I am confident that together we will realise the vision of Indonesia Emas and Viksit Bharat,” Modi stated.
As part of strengthening cultural relations, both countries agreed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the visit of Indian poet and philosopher Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore to Indonesia. The commemoration will be packaged as the Tagore and Dewantara Year, focusing on cultural and educational diplomacy. Modi noted that Ki Hadjar Dewantara played a significant role in Indonesia’s educational journey, adding that the thoughts of Indonesia’s first education minister were heavily influenced by Tagore’s philosophy, making them symbols of the close intellectual and cultural ties between the two nations.
Beyond cultural relations, Modi emphasised that democracy is a value that strengthens the bond between the two countries. He said the spirit of Unity in Diversity embraced by India mirrors Indonesia’s Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. This commonality will be further reinforced through a memorandum of understanding between the election commissions of both countries to expand cooperation in the field of democracy.
On the global stage, Modi said India and Indonesia share aligned views in addressing various international issues. Both countries support a peaceful Indo-Pacific region and place ASEAN centrality as a crucial element in maintaining regional stability. “Amidst various global turbulences today, India believes that dialogue and diplomacy are increasingly important. Regarding Palestine, we support the two-state solution and long-term peace,” Modi said. He added that the similarity in views on global issues further strengthens the positions of Indonesia and India as strategic partners that play a role not only in the region but also in promoting world peace and stability.