Sun Jan 26 11:56:11 UTC 2025: ## Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to be Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day
**New Delhi, January 24** – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, marking the fourth time an Indonesian leader has received this honor. President Subianto arrived in New Delhi on January 23rd and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, signaling a strengthening of political, defense, and security cooperation between the two nations.
President Subianto, 73, hails from a prominent Indonesian political family and boasts a distinguished military background, including training at prestigious US institutions. However, his past includes allegations of human rights abuses, which he denies. Despite these allegations, he currently enjoys a markedly different public image, often seen on social media in lighthearted posts.
His recent actions on the international stage have drawn considerable attention. At the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, he proposed a UN referendum on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and suggested a demilitarized zone. While he appeared to make concessions regarding the South China Sea dispute with China in a joint statement, Indonesia’s foreign ministry clarified that this did not constitute recognition of China’s nine-dash line.
President Subianto’s relationship with the US is complex. He was among the first world leaders to congratulate former US President Donald Trump on his election victory. Nevertheless, he is expected to continue Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy, navigating the US-China rivalry carefully. His recent announcement of Indonesia’s full membership in BRICS further highlights his diplomatic strategy of bridging developed and developing nations. The visit promises to further solidify the growing strategic partnership between India and Indonesia.
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