PM Modi's Indonesia Visit Ushers in New Era of Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Indonesia has been hailed as the beginning of a "golden chapter" in India-Indonesia relations. In a video shared on X, PM Modi highlighted the warmth of his welcome, the strengthening of bilateral ties, and key moments from his engagements with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the Indian diaspora. The visit, which took place in early July 2026, underscored the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Grand Welcome and Ceremonial Reception
The video began with Indonesian children dressed in traditional attire waving Indian and Indonesian flags and greeting the Prime Minister with chants of "Welcome Modi ji" and "I love you Modi ji." It also captured the grand ceremonial reception at Jakarta's Presidential Palace, including a guard of honour, military parade, and bilateral meetings between the two leaders. Addressing a joint press meet, PM Modi expressed gratitude, saying, "I express my heartfelt gratitude to my friend, President Prabowo, for this warm and enthusiastic welcome."
Highest Civilian Honour Conferred on PM Modi
A highlight of the visit was President Prabowo conferring Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Republik Indonesia Adipurna (Star of Indonesia), on PM Modi. Speaking after receiving the award, the Prime Minister stated, "This honour belongs to the billions of Indians, reflects the sentiments of the people of Indonesia, and signifies the historical and close relations between India and Indonesia."
Vision for a Golden Chapter in Bilateral Ties
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral ties, PM Modi declared, "I am confident that from today, a golden chapter in the India-Indonesia partnership will begin." He emphasized the growing partnership, noting, "In recent years, a new energy, a new confidence, and a new depth have emerged in the relations between India and Indonesia. Our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2018, is taking a new flight today."
President Prabowo's Admiration and Light-Hearted Exchange
The video featured remarks by President Prabowo during the State Banquet, where he said, "I follow your career, and I copy a lot of your programs. And it's proving to be successful for us. So, thank you very much. I am very happy there's no copyright to all your programs." Responding humorously, PM Modi said, "President Prabowo mentioned copyright. I would like to tell him that no one can ever have a copyright on this love and affection."
Democratic Values and Cultural Ties
Highlighting the importance of democratic values, PM Modi stated, "When India and Indonesia stand together, the world's belief is strengthened that democracy provides opportunity, democracy provides trust, and democracy builds the future." Referring to the popularity of Indian cinema in Indonesia, he remarked, "The Indian song 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' is very popular here. When India and Indonesia walk together, it goes beyond 'something' to 'a lot happens' (Bahut Kuch Hota Hai)."
Engagement with Indian Diaspora
During the Indian Community Reception, President Prabowo described himself as "an admirer, a great admirer of Narendra Modi-ji." Addressing the diaspora, PM Modi said, "India moves with the mantra of 'Together with all, Development for all' (Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas). Therefore, it creates new opportunities together with its partners and connects them with new possibilities."
India's Economic Progress and Vision
The video concluded with PM Modi emphasizing India's economic progress: "The growth that India has achieved today is the growth of the dreams of 1.4 billion people; it is the growth of the aspirations of millions of Indians." He added, "India is not just the fastest-growing economy; India has over a billion-plus dreams in motion. When dreams are big, the government's pace of work also becomes equally fast."
