Prabowo Welcomes Indian PM Modi at Merdeka Palace
President Prabowo Subianto warmly welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. Upon Modi’s arrival on Tuesday, 7 July 2026, Prabowo greeted the leader of the world’s most populous nation with a tight embrace.
Modi’s motorcade was accompanied by 120 cavalry troops, with 80 riding ahead of the vehicle and the remainder following behind, along with dozens of police motorcycle outriders. Before entering the palace grounds, the motorcade circled the National Monument (Monas) located opposite. At the palace, 1,300 primary school students enlivened the welcome, waving small Indonesian and Indian flags as the Prime Minister’s car passed.
As Modi stepped out of his vehicle, President Prabowo was already waiting. The two heads of state embraced before proceeding with a series of state ceremony events. The welcome was also enlivened by a Betawi ‘Kemilau Jakarta’ creative dance performance. During the ceremony, the national anthems of both countries were played, accompanied by a 21-gun salute. Prabowo and Modi then inspected the honour guard lined up in the palace courtyard.
Before entering the palace, Prabowo and Modi introduced their respective delegations who would attend the day’s bilateral meeting. Accompanying Prabowo were Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar, and Foreign Minister Sugiono. Also present were Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Culture Minister Fadli Zon, and Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
Inside Merdeka Palace, Modi first signed the guest book, witnessed by Prabowo. The Gerindra Party Chairman briefly helped Modi rise from his chair after the Prime Minister finished writing his name in the Credential Room. Prabowo was seen pulling out Modi’s chair during the moment. The two then had a brief conversation before entering the room where the bilateral meeting would take place. The forum was held behind closed doors.
This marks Modi’s third visit to Indonesia, following trips in 2018 and 2023 during the era of President Joko Widodo. The visit in early July is Modi’s first to Jakarta since President Prabowo took office. President Prabowo Subianto previously visited the Republic of India in January 2025, travelling to New Delhi to accept an invitation as chief guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.