Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Arrives in India for Historic Visit.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Indonesia in 2018 elevated the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the adoption of the Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto landed in New Delhi on Thursday evening, marking the beginning of his first state visit to India. This historic trip is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation across various sectors, with President Subianto serving as the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.

As President Subianto stepped off the plane, he was warmly welcomed by Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, took to ‘X’ to extend a warm welcome to the Indonesian President, highlighting the significance of the visit in further strengthening the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

This visit marks a significant milestone in the Indo-Indonesian relationship, which has witnessed an upswing in recent years. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Indonesia in 2018 elevated the bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the adoption of the Shared Vision of India-Indonesia Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

President Subianto’s four-day agenda is packed with meetings and discussions with top Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, President Droupadi Murmu, and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. The talks are expected to focus on key areas such as trade, defense, and cultural exchange, with the aim of firming up several pacts to expand cooperation.

A notable highlight of the visit is the participation of a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia in the Republic Day parade at the Kartavya Path. This marks the first time an Indonesian contingent will participate in a national day parade abroad, symbolizing the growing bond between the two nations.

India and Indonesia share a rich cultural heritage, with trade ties spanning over a millennium. The Southeast Asian nation is a crucial pillar in India’s Act East Policy and one of its largest trading partners in the ASEAN region. The bilateral trade volume in 2023 stood at USD 29.40 billion, with Indian investments in Indonesia totaling USD 1.56 billion across various sectors.

The bilateral defense and security ties have also witnessed significant expansion, following the signing of a defense cooperation agreement in 2018. Indonesia is home to approximately 150,000 persons of Indian origin, with around 14,000 Indian nationals living in the country.

As President Subianto’s visit progresses, it is expected to further solidify the strong bond between India and Indonesia, paving the way for a more prosperous and secure future for both nations. The visit is also seen as an opportunity to enhance cooperation in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster management.

In addition to the bilateral meetings, President Subianto will also attend a business forum, where he will interact with Indian business leaders and entrepreneurs. The forum is expected to provide a platform for discussions on trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

President Subianto’s visit to India is also significant in the context of the current global scenario. As two of the largest democracies in the world, India and Indonesia have a crucial role to play in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.

As the world grapples with challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic uncertainty, the India-Indonesia partnership can play a vital role in promoting cooperation and collaboration. President Subianto’s visit to India is a significant step in this direction, and is expected to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

In conclusion, President Subianto’s visit to India is a historic moment in the Indo-Indonesian relationship. As the two nations celebrate their growing partnership, they are also expected to explore new avenues of cooperation and collaboration. The visit is a testament to the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Indonesia, and is expected to pave the way for a more prosperous and secure future for both nations.

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