Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at an Indian community event in Jakarta on Tuesday, highlighted the deep passion for football in Indonesia and noted a remarkable coincidence: his visits to the country have aligned with the FIFA World Cup in 2018, 2022, and 2026.
Football Fever Sweeps Indonesia
"Football fever is sweeping the world these days. Here in Indonesia, too, the passion for football is immense, and it is evident that you have all brought that same energy and enthusiasm with you here," PM Modi said. He pointed out the synchronicity: "Whenever I have visited Indonesia, the excitement of the FIFA World Cup has been in the air. The first event took place in Jakarta in 2018, then we met in Bali in 2022, and now, in 2026, we are interacting in Jakarta once again."
The Prime Minister praised the Indian community for their role in strengthening bilateral ties, calling them the "Man of the Match" for all three occasions. "The 'Man of the Match' for all three of these events in Indonesia is the same: all of you living here in Indonesia. You are all the 'Man of the Match'," he added.
Cultural Connections and Bollywood
PM Modi also recalled the popularity of the Bollywood song 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' in Indonesia, saying that when India and Indonesia move forward together, it goes far beyond just 'kuch kuch' and leads to 'bahut kuch' (much more). He expressed gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo, calling him a "true friend of India." "I have been overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to me by the people of Indonesia; words fall short to describe it," the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi is on a three-day visit to Indonesia as part of the first leg of his three-nation tour. The event underscored the strong people-to-people ties and shared cultural affinities between India and Indonesia.
