Sun Jan 26 02:40:00 UTC 2025: **India and Indonesia Strengthen Ties During Historic State Visit**
New Delhi, January 25, 2025 – President Droupadi Murmu welcomed Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Rashtrapati Bhavan today for his first state visit to India. The visit, which coincides with Indonesia’s participation as Chief Guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, marks a significant milestone in the two nations’ long-standing relationship.
President Murmu highlighted the deep historical ties between India and Indonesia, dating back millennia, citing examples such as the “Bali Jatra” festival in Odisha which commemorates ancient trade routes. She emphasized the shared values of pluralism, inclusiveness, and the rule of law as cornerstones of the bilateral relationship. The President noted the symbolic significance of President Subianto’s presence, echoing the visit of Indonesia’s founding president, Sukarno, to India’s first Republic Day celebrations in 1950.
Both leaders discussed expanding cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, defense, and space. President Murmu underscored Indonesia’s crucial role in India’s “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific vision, and praised Indonesia’s recent accession to BRICS. The two countries, as leading members of the Global South, pledged to continue their close collaboration on various multilateral platforms, including the G20 and ASEAN. The visit concluded with a banquet hosted by President Murmu in honor of President Subianto. The strengthened partnership promises to further deepen the already robust Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Indonesia.
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