NEW DELHI, Jan 26 – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto attended India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations on Thursday at Kartvya Path, marking a milestone in the longstanding cultural and strategic ties between the two nations. This state visit is President Prabowo’s first to India and makes him the fourth Indonesian leader to participate in the Republic Day festivities.
The event featured a historic highlight: a 352-member Indonesian marching and band contingent, the largest from Indonesia to ever participate in a national day parade abroad. The contingent paraded down Kartvya Path, showcasing the strong cultural and military bonds shared by the two nations.
India and Indonesia share over a millennium of historical ties rooted in trade and cultural exchanges. This enduring relationship is celebrated through traditions such as the Bali Yatra festival in India, which commemorates ancient maritime voyages to Bali.
Bilateral trade has become a cornerstone of the partnership, with transactions totaling $29.40 billion in the 2023-24 fiscal year. Indian investments in Indonesia, valued at $1.56 billion, span sectors such as infrastructure, energy, textiles, and mining. Indonesia remains one of India’s largest trading partners in the ASEAN region.
Ahead of the celebrations, Indonesian President Prabowo met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on bolstering defense, maritime security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. The meeting also resulted in the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding, including agreements in health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.
President Droupadi Murmu hosted a banquet for President Prabowo, recalling Indonesia’s participation in India’s first Republic Day celebrations 75 years ago, underscoring the historical and strategic depth of the relationship.
Indonesia, a key partner in the BRICS grouping, has expressed gratitude for India’s support in its bid to join the emerging economies’ forum.
The Republic Day parade commenced at 10:30 a.m. from Vijay Chowk and proceeded to Red Fort, following a route through Kartavyapath, C-Hexagon, and Tilak Marg. A ceremony at the National War Memorial preceded the parade at 9:30 a.m.
This year’s celebrations underscored the strengthening partnership between two of Asia’s largest democracies, signaling a shared vision for regional and global cooperation.
The Chenab Times News Desk