President Prabowo Subianto’s Visit to India for the 76th Republic Day: Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The upcoming visit of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to India as the Chief Guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the deepening ties between the two nations. This historic moment underscores the enduring relationship and strategic partnership between India and Indonesia, rooted in shared values and common aspirations.
President Prabowo Subianto will become the fourth Indonesian president to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest, following the footsteps of Soekarno, Indonesia’s first president, who graced India’s first Republic Day in 1950. This symbolic invitation highlights the importance India places on its relationship with Indonesia, a key partner in the Indo-Pacific region.
President Prabowo’s state visit, scheduled for January 25-26, will include high-level bilateral discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. These discussions aim to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including:
Defence and Security: With President Prabowo’s extensive defence background, collaborations in defence technology, joint military exercises, and maritime security are expected to be key focus areas.
Trade and Investment: Enhancing bilateral trade, promoting investments, and exploring opportunities in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals.
Education and Culture: Strengthening people-to-people ties through educational exchanges, cultural programs, and tourism.
Healthcare and Traditional Medicine: Exploring collaborations in healthcare innovations and traditional medicine to benefit both nations.
Maritime Cooperation: Building on shared maritime heritage to ensure security and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
President Prabowo and Prime Minister Modi will also witness the exchange of multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in these key sectors, further solidifying the strategic partnership.
As part of his visit, President Prabowo will visit Raj Ghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, reflecting the shared respect for leaders who have championed peace and independence in their respective countries.
Republic Day Celebrations
On January 26, President Prabowo will attend the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as the Chief Guest. The highlight of the event will be a historic performance by a contingent of 352 Indonesian military personnel, including the Genderang Suling Canka Lokananta marching band. Their participation in the parade symbolizes the enduring camaraderie and shared values between the two nations.
The invitation to the Indonesian military contingent was extended by Prime Minister Modi during the G20 Summit in Brazil in November 2024. This gesture underscores the importance of defence and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The visit reaffirms the comprehensive strategic partnership established between India and Indonesia in 2018. Both nations have since worked closely to enhance collaboration in defence, maritime security, trade, and people-to-people connections. As pillars of regional stability, India and Indonesia are pivotal to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
During the visit, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) will collaborate with India’s Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to explore opportunities in sectors such as defence, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. This includes site visits to healthcare institutions, automotive plants, and other industrial facilities in India to deepen business ties.
Reflecting on a Shared Future
President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India is more than a ceremonial occasion; it is a celebration of the historical, cultural, and strategic ties that bind the two nations. By strengthening bilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges together, India and Indonesia are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Indo-Pacific region.
As India celebrates its 76th Republic Day, the presence of President Prabowo Subianto not only honours the occasion but also signifies the enduring friendship and shared vision of these two vibrant democracies. This visit is a testament to the growing partnership and mutual respect between India and Indonesia, setting the stage for a brighter, collaborative future.
