During the meeting, both leaders exchanged several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) that aimed to enhance collaboration in sectors including health, digital infrastructure, defense, and technology. One of the main highlights was the emphasis on strengthening cooperation in the fields of Fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital public infrastructure.

Prime Minister Modi underscored Indonesia’s critical role as a key partner within the ASEAN framework and in the Indo-Pacific region. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN’s centrality, a theme consistent with India’s ‘Act East’ policy, which seeks to strengthen ties with the countries of East and Southeast Asia. “Indonesia is an important partner for us in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific regions, and we both agree that freedom of navigation should be ensured in accordance with international laws,” Modi remarked.

Looking forward, the year 2025 will be celebrated as the India-ASEAN Year of Tourism, with a focus on fostering greater cultural exchanges and promoting tourism between India and Indonesia. The two leaders also expressed their shared desire to maintain peace, security, prosperity, and the rule of law in the region.

Reflecting on the historical bond between the two nations, Prime Minister Modi highlighted Indonesia’s role as the Chief Guest at India’s first Republic Day in 1950. “As we celebrate 75 years of the Republic, it is a matter of great pride that Indonesia is part of this historic occasion,” Modi said.

Economic cooperation was also a key point of focus, with bilateral trade surpassing $30 billion last year. The leaders discussed enhanced collaborations in the fields of energy, critical minerals, science, technology, and space exploration. In particular, maritime safety and security were underscored, with a commitment to strengthening capacity-building, crime prevention, and search-and-rescue operations in the region.

Cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and de-radicalization efforts were also central to the talks. The partnership aims to address growing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific by fostering stronger defense ties and collaborative security frameworks.

On the cultural front, both leaders spoke about the long-standing historical connections between India and Indonesia, particularly through the shared epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, and India’s contribution to the conservation of Indonesia’s Prambanan Hindu Temple. The strengthening of cultural exchanges will serve as a bridge for further deepening bilateral ties.

Further reinforcing the strategic relationship, President Prabowo Subianto expressed gratitude for India’s unwavering support in Indonesia’s independence struggle and India’s continued support for Indonesia’s membership in BRICS. He emphasized that both nations are aligned in their commitment to global stability and regional cooperation, and he reiterated that the partnership would benefit the broader Global South.

The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, setting the stage for a deeper and more dynamic India-Indonesia partnership in the years to come.

In a gesture of goodwill, President Prabowo also noted the Indonesian Embassy in India is located on land generously donated by the Indian government, highlighting the deep-rooted friendship between the two nations. He further expressed his honor in being invited as the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day, reflecting the warm ties that continue to flourish between the countries.

This strengthened partnership signals a new chapter in India-Indonesia relations, one poised to address both contemporary challenges and future opportunities on the global stage.

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At a recent press conference, Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, offered exciting insights into the festival’s programming. “This year, we are diving deep into the world of crime fiction, with a special focus on the genre,” said Roy. “We also continue to celebrate poetry as an integral part of the festival, alongside discussions on current geopolitics, theatre, music, and more.”

A major highlight of this year’s event will be the presentation of the Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Award for Poetry, which honors the acclaimed Hindi poet Badri Narayan. Known for his vivid folk-inspired poetry and sharp social commentary, Narayan will be recognized for his literary contributions and his role as a social scientist and public intellectual. His poetry collection Tumdi ke Shabd earned him the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022, making this recognition particularly poignant.

The festival’s 2025 edition also promises a deeper exploration of pressing global themes under the banner “Fractured World.” Panels and discussions will address the complexities of contemporary geopolitics, the devastating impacts of war and conflict, and critical issues such as climate change, sports, and cultural expressions like cinema and dance.

Festival Co-Director and celebrated historian William Dalrymple described the festival as “a global platform bringing together some of the most influential voices from around the world.” Dalrymple further emphasized that this year’s gathering would feature Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, Pulitzer Prize recipients, policymakers, and a host of renowned authors, poets, and artists. Among the confirmed speakers are economist Abhijit Banerjee, diplomat Amitabh Kant, authors Andrew O’Hagan and Geetanjali Shree, actor Amol Palekar, activist Kailash Satyarthi, and many more.

The Jaipur Literature Festival has long been a symbol of intellectual vitality, and Roy acknowledged the city’s invaluable support in growing the event. “Jaipur and its residents have played a pivotal role in the success of the festival, fostering an environment of curiosity and enthusiasm,” he said.

With its dynamic programming, diverse voices, and global outlook, the 18th edition of JLF is poised to further cement its legacy as a beacon of cultural exchange, fostering dialogue and creativity across continents.

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Minister Jaishankar shared on social media, “Good to meet with FM Takeshi Iwaya of Japan. Reviewed the progress in our bilateral cooperation. Also discussed developments pertaining to Quad,” reflecting the cordial and constructive nature of the meeting. The discussions focused on deepening cooperation across several vital domains, including political, security, economic, technological, and people-to-people exchanges.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of continuing their regular strategic dialogues to maintain momentum in bilateral relations. They agreed on the importance of institutional mechanisms such as the Strategic Dialogue and the 2+2 Dialogue between Foreign and Defence Ministers to ensure consistent and effective collaboration. During the meeting, Jaishankar invited Minister Iwaya to visit India, underscoring the commitment to further strengthen ties between the two nations.

A key highlight of the meeting was the announcement of the India-Japan Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation, marking the 40th anniversary of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Science and Technology cooperation, which was first signed in 1985. Both ministers expressed their enthusiasm to advance mutual efforts in science and technology, with an emphasis on innovation and research partnerships in the coming year.

The bilateral talks also underscored the growing importance of people-to-people exchanges. Areas such as technology, education, and skill development were identified as critical to fostering stronger cultural and educational bonds between the two nations. This is expected to further solidify the longstanding friendship between India and Japan.

The meeting also celebrated the deep-rooted historical and cultural connections between the two countries. Japan’s spiritual and cultural ties to India date back to ancient times, with key historical milestones such as the consecration of the Buddha statue in Nara by Indian monk Bodhisena in 752 AD. Prominent Indian figures like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Subhash Chandra Bose also played pivotal roles in reinforcing the bond between the nations.

In recent years, the Indian community in Japan has seen significant growth, particularly among IT professionals and engineers. Over 40,000 Indians now live in Japan, with many pursuing higher education, including doctoral courses. The Nishikasai area of Tokyo has become a hub for the Indian community, with Indian schools established to meet the growing demand for educational resources.

This strategic meeting further solidifies the enduring and multifaceted relationship between India and Japan, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and prosperity through continued cooperation across all sectors.

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The screening was graced by Vikram Doraiswami, the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, who delivered an insightful address that highlighted the cultural significance of the films and their ability to promote key values such as teamwork, unity, and national pride. He expressed his gratitude to the attendees and emphasized the unique connection between cinema and cricket, which has become a vital part of India’s cultural identity.

“Film, as you know, is India’s most favoured form of entertainment. Cricket, of course, is religion—that’s the state of the film. A film that brings together cricket and storytelling is a winner in and of itself,” Doraiswami remarked in his speech. He further elaborated on the rich tradition of storytelling in India, noting that the country was one of the earliest to embrace cinema as a medium for narrating stories.

“The process of telling stories is a critical part of the human experience. Everything we do, even our religious traditions, is an essence of telling stories,” he said. “Films in India bring together storytelling, music, dance, and provide a cathartic experience in two and a half to three hours.”

The High Commissioner also discussed the significant impact of Indian cinema’s ability to transcend language barriers, with Bollywood emerging as a global powerhouse in film production, despite India’s linguistic diversity. Doraiswami further touched on the increasing collaboration between the Indian and UK film industries, underscoring how the UK’s creative sectors, including film studios, animation, and gaming, have played an integral role in the success of Indian films.

“The film industry is one of the big potential drivers of a future partnership between India and the UK,” Doraiswami stated, highlighting the growing utilization of UK studios in the production of Indian films and the importance of creative convergence between the two countries.

Looking to the future, Doraiswami announced that the inaugural World Audio Visual Summit (WAVE) will take place in Mumbai in February, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the event. The summit will bring together industry leaders, regulators, and creators from both India and the UK to discuss further collaboration.

The evening’s screening featured three films that celebrate India’s sporting triumphs and the unifying power of sport.

’83’, directed by Kabir Khan, recounts India’s historic victory in the 1983 Cricket World Cup. The film captures the underdog journey of the Indian cricket team, led by Kapil Dev, as they defied the odds to defeat the West Indies and claim their first-ever World Cup title. Ranveer Singh’s portrayal of Kapil Dev received widespread acclaim, bringing the historic moment to life.

’Dangal’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, is a biographical drama based on the life of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat. The film traces Phogat’s determination to train his daughters, Geeta and Babita, to become world-class wrestlers while challenging societal norms and gender stereotypes. Aamir Khan stars as Mahavir Singh Phogat, with Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sanya Malhotra portraying Geeta and Babita, respectively. The film is a powerful exploration of female empowerment and the importance of breaking barriers.

’Chak De! India’ (2007), directed by Shimit Amin, stars Shah Rukh Khan as Kabir Khan, a former hockey player who becomes the coach of India’s women’s hockey team. The film focuses on the team’s journey to overcome personal and national challenges as they unite to win the World Cup, offering an inspiring message of resilience and teamwork.

The screening not only celebrated the power of Indian cinema but also served as a reminder of the growing cultural and creative ties between India and the United Kingdom. As both nations look to build on this collaboration, the creative industries stand poised to play an increasingly vital role in fostering bilateral relations in the years to come.

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The delegation, invited by the External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, includes representatives from Fiji, Finland, Guyana, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These international visitors were greeted with warmth and hospitality, with their accommodations arranged at the Tent City in Arail, a special facility developed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation to host the influx of visitors.

During their visit to the Sangam, many international pilgrims expressed their reverence and joy. Denesh Persaud from Guyana shared his excitement after taking a holy dip in the River Ganges, a long-held dream come true for him. “It’s a dream come true. I always wanted to come here and take a holy dip in the River Ganges. I have fulfilled that wish,” Persaud said. He further encouraged others to join in the experience and feel the spiritual significance of the dip. “I encourage those who are here to come to this event and take a dip in the holy River Ganges,” he added.

Sally El Azab, a participant from the UAE, was equally enthusiastic about the event. Praising the organization and scale of the Kumbh Mela, El Azab remarked, “I am coming from the Middle East to India… It is a wonderful event. This is the largest religious gathering in the world, and here everything is well-organized to another level. The police are there for safety, and the government has arranged it all very well.”

The visit of this diverse international delegation highlights the universal appeal of the Maha Kumbh Mela, with people from around the world coming together to experience this spiritual event. The Kumbh Mela is not just a significant religious occasion for Hindus but has become a global symbol of unity, peace, and devotion.

On the fourth day of the 45-day-long Maha Kumbh, thousands of devotees flocked to the Sangam to take a holy dip. The occasion marked the continuation of the massive congregation, which saw over 6 crore devotees participate, with more than 3.5 crore joining on January 14, the day of Makar Sankranti.

In light of the enormous number of pilgrims, the Prayagraj administration has made significant efforts to ensure the safety and convenience of all attendees. One such initiative is the AI-based computerized Lost and Found Centre, which has helped reunite many lost people and children with their families. According to Additional Mela Adhikari Vivek Chaturvedi, the center has been highly successful, with no reported cases where lost individuals have not been reunited with their relatives. “We have received a good response from the computerized Lost and Found Centre,” Chaturvedi said. “If there is a case in which we have not been able to reunite a person with their relatives, then the administration takes them to their home at its own expense.”

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, 2025, will continue until February 26, 2025. The next significant bathing dates for the event are January 29 (Mauni Amavasya – Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami – Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and the grand finale on February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

As the Kumbh Mela continues, it remains a beacon of faith, unity, and spirituality, drawing people from across the world to the sacred Sangam in Prayagraj, reaffirming its place as the world’s largest religious gathering.

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The forum also sought to foster cultural exchanges and boost bilateral trade between the two nations. TV BRICS served as the official media partner for the event.

The plenary session featured a series of prominent figures, including Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow City Government and Head of the Business Council for Cooperation with India; Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of India to Russia; Dmitry Volvach, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; and Vladimir Platonov, President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI). These leaders highlighted several key areas of focus, such as expanding trade relations, advancing science and technology cooperation, and improving education, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.

Cheremin remarked that 2024 had been a productive year for India-Russia relations, particularly in high-tech industries like pharmaceuticals, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and transport infrastructure. He stressed the importance of continued collaboration to drive innovation and mutual growth.

Ambassador Kumar emphasized India’s economic achievements, citing the country’s impressive GDP growth rate of 7.58 percent and its ranking among the top three global economies in terms of purchasing power parity. He also praised the successful implementation of joint investment projects, especially in the transport sector, and called for the development of banking channels and payment systems to facilitate trade in national currencies.

Dmitry Volvach, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Economic Development, shared positive news on the trade front, revealing that the trade turnover between India and Russia had reached USD 46.5 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 15 percent increase over the previous year. He also reaffirmed the ambitious goal of reaching USD 100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030, emphasizing the role of the International North-South Transport Corridor and simplified customs procedures in supporting this growth.

The tourism sector was another notable highlight, with Volvach reporting an 86 percent increase in Indian tourists visiting Russia this year. The introduction of electronic visas for Indian citizens has further boosted tourism between the two countries.

The dialogue included thematic sessions on finance, healthcare, biotechnology, and investment cooperation, all aimed at improving commodity flows, human resource development, and innovation. The event concluded with a series of B2B meetings designed to help foster new business relationships between India and Russia.

Organized by the Indian Business Alliance, the XV India-Russia Business Dialogue also received support from the Business Council for Cooperation with India, the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, and the Roscongress Foundation. This significant event underscored the growing collaboration and partnership between the two nations across multiple sectors.

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