Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Arrives in India for Republic Day 2025 Celebrations
New Delhi: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in India on Thursday night for a significant four-day state visit. This marks his first visit to India as President following his election in 2024. Subianto’s trip highlights the deepening ties between India and Indonesia, particularly with his participation as the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day celebrations.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita welcomed President Subianto at the airport. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, shared on X, “A warm welcome to President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia as he arrives in New Delhi on his first State Visit to India. This visit will further strengthen the India-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”
Key Meetings and Agenda
Over the next three days, President Subianto will engage in crucial discussions with top Indian leaders. His scheduled meetings include:
– January 24:
– Meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Taj Mahal Hotel at 4:00 PM.
– January 25:
– Attending a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 10:00 AM, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat.
– Meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House at 12:00 PM, featuring the exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and a press briefing.
– Meeting with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar at 4:00 PM at the Taj Mahal Hotel.
– Meeting with President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan at 7:00 PM.
– January 26:
– Attending the Republic Day Parade as the Chief Guest.
– Participating in the “At Home” Reception hosted by President Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the afternoon.
– Departing for Indonesia at 5:30 PM.
Strengthening India-Indonesia Relations
President Subianto will focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation in various areas, including politics, defense, security, and trade during his visit. The two nations are expected to sign several MoUs aimed at expanding collaboration. India and Indonesia have seen growing ties, particularly since establishing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018 during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Indonesia.
The third CEO Forum will also take place during Subianto’s visit, gathering business leaders to discuss potential investments and trade opportunities.
A Historic Moment in Republic Day Celebrations
President Subianto will be the fourth Indonesian leader to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations. Notably, Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, was the Chief Guest at India’s inaugural Republic Day in 1950.
Adding to this historic occasion, a 352-member marching and band contingent from Indonesia will participate in the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path. This marks the first time an Indonesian contingent will take part in a national day parade outside their own country.
Growing Economic Ties
Indonesia remains a key partner in India’s Act East Policy and is one of its largest trading partners within ASEAN. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached $29.4 billion in 2023. Indian investments in Indonesia amount to $1.56 billion, spanning sectors such as infrastructure, textiles, automotive, and mining.
Background on Prabowo Subianto
Before his presidency, Subianto served as Indonesia’s Defense Minister and was a special forces commander. His election in 2024 marked a significant political shift, succeeding former president Joko Widodo. Subianto has prioritized strengthening Indonesia’s global partnerships, as reflected in his participation at the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he met Prime Minister Modi in November 2024.
With this visit, India and Indonesia aim to deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and enhance collaboration across various sectors.
