Prabowo Welcomes Indian PM Modi at Halim Perdanakusuma

President Prabowo Subianto welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon his arrival at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Monday afternoon, commencing a two-day state visit to Indonesia. Prabowo greeted Modi directly at the foot of the aircraft steps around 5.25 p.m. Western Indonesia Time. The two leaders then shook hands and walked together past the Guard of Honour before watching a performance of the None Kemayoran dance. President Prabowo subsequently introduced several officials who were also present to welcome Modi, namely Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Foreign Minister Sugiono, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, and Indian Ambassador to Indonesia Sandeep Chakravorty. Following the welcoming ceremony, Prabowo escorted Modi to the state car. They shook hands again and chatted briefly before Modi left Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base for his accommodation. ‘Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit this time will focus on strengthening several pillars of cooperation,’ Chakravorty said at a press conference at the Indian Embassy in Jakarta on Friday (3/7). He explained that the main pillars of cooperation to be discussed include defence and security, trade and investment, food security, energy security, downstreaming, critical mineral development, and capacity building in health and education. According to the agenda, on Tuesday (7/7) President Prabowo and Modi will hold a bilateral meeting followed by a state banquet. Afterwards, Modi is scheduled to deliver a speech and in the evening attend a meeting with the Indian community in Indonesia. On Wednesday (8/7), Modi will continue his visit to Yogyakarta before departing for Australia.