This marks President Subianto’s first state visit to India since assuming the presidency in October 2024, following his inauguration. His visit highlights the deepening ties between the two nations, which have shared a long history of friendship and cooperation across various domains.

According to a statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), “India and Indonesia share warm and friendly ties spanning over millennia. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Indonesia is an important pillar in India’s Act East Policy and our vision of the Indo-Pacific.” This reflects the strategic importance of Indonesia in India’s foreign policy, especially in the context of regional and global dynamics.

The visit is expected to provide a platform for both leaders to review the progress of bilateral relations and discuss issues of mutual concern, both in regional and global contexts. The two countries are also celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, further emphasizing the enduring strength of their partnership.

Prime Minister Modi and President Subianto previously met during the G20 Summit in Rio in 2024, where they reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship within the framework of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed their desire to celebrate the 75-year milestone in a fitting manner, reinforcing their dedication to deepening cooperation across various sectors.

President Subianto has been a key figure in Indonesia’s leadership, having assumed office in October 2024 following a successful election campaign. In his previous role as Indonesia’s Defense Minister, he had visited India in 2020, underscoring the importance of defense and strategic ties between the two nations. His first official visit to India as president is expected to focus on strengthening this collaboration further.

The Indo-Indonesian relationship continues to grow in significance, with both nations committed to enhancing cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, technology, and cultural exchanges. As the two countries celebrate the enduring ties between them, President Subianto’s visit will undoubtedly mark a new chapter in this longstanding partnership.

The Indonesian leader’s presence at India’s Republic Day celebrations is a gesture of the growing diplomatic engagement between the two countries and serves as a reminder of their shared vision for peace, prosperity, and regional stability.

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Jaishankar explained India’s decision to abstain from certain United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions on the Gaza conflict, citing concerns over the lack of balance and failure to address key issues like terrorism.

India’s Support for Two-State Solution

Responding to a question from TMC MP Saket Gokhale, Jaishankar stated, “We support the two-state solution and have been public and unambiguous about it. There should be no cause for confusion regarding this position.”

Jaishankar reiterated that India’s stance on the matter remains firm and consistent, advocating for peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.

India’s Non-Membership in ICC

In response to queries about the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders, Jaishankar clarified India’s position. He stated that India is not a member of the ICC and is therefore not bound by its decisions. He added, “India decided against ICC membership after thorough deliberation. As such, we have not taken a formal position on its rulings.”

Humanitarian Assistance to Palestine

Jaishankar detailed India’s continued support for Palestine through humanitarian aid. He highlighted India’s annual contribution of USD 5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which was increased from USD 1 million under the current government.

In 2023, India provided 70 metric tons of aid, including 16.5 metric tons of medicines. In 2024, India has delivered 65 metric tons of medical aid to the Palestinian Authority and UNRWA, with an additional 33 metric tons sent to Lebanon.

India’s Abstentions at UNGA

Addressing India’s abstention from certain UNGA resolutions on Gaza, Jaishankar explained the rationale. He said the resolutions lacked balance, failed to mention critical issues like terrorism and hostage-taking, and were not well-considered.

He remarked, “Resolutions that do not reflect the entirety of the situation cannot be supported. As a country that has been a victim of terrorism, India cannot ignore or downplay its implications.”

India’s Balanced Approach

Jaishankar emphasized that India takes a nuanced view of international resolutions, prioritizing their wording and implications. He condemned terrorism and hostage-taking, urged adherence to humanitarian law, and called for a ceasefire and an end to violence.

Historical Context

The Gaza conflict reignited following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, prompting Israel’s counter-offensive. India condemned the Hamas attack, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being among the first world leaders to denounce it. India has since reiterated its commitment to a two-state solution, advocating peace and coexistence in the region.

This reaffirmation of India’s position underscores its balanced approach to international diplomacy, focusing on humanitarian concerns while addressing the broader challenges of terrorism and violence.

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As part of his three-nation tour, which previously included visits to Nigeria and Brazil, PM Modi’s trip to Guyana carries special significance, as he becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in over five decades.

This address will mark the 14th time PM Modi has spoken in the legislative assemblies of foreign nations, a record among Indian Prime Ministers. Former PM Manmohan Singh had addressed seven such sessions, while PM Modi has more than doubled that number.

Other notable instances of Indian leaders addressing foreign Parliaments include four addresses by Indira Gandhi, three by Jawaharlal Nehru, and two each by Rajiv Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Morarji Desai and PV Narasimha Rao each delivered one such address during their tenures.

PM Modi’s speeches in foreign legislative chambers—spanning continents from the Americas to Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia—are reflective of India’s growing global influence. These addresses underline India’s role on the international stage.

Among his notable appearances, PM Modi has addressed the U.S. Congress twice—in 2016 and 2023—and the Parliaments of Australia and Fiji in 2014. He also addressed the British Parliament in 2015. In Africa, his speeches include the National Assembly of Mauritius in 2015 and the Parliament of Uganda in 2018.

In Asia, PM Modi spoke at the joint session of the Bhutanese Parliament and Nepal’s Constituent Assembly in 2014 and addressed the Parliaments of Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Afghanistan (2015), and the Maldives (2019).

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi was also honored with Guyana’s highest national award, The Order of Excellence, presented by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. This prestigious recognition was conferred upon him for his statesmanship, contributions to global progress, and efforts to strengthen India-Guyana ties.

Additionally, the Commonwealth of Dominica recently awarded PM Modi its highest national honor, The Dominica Award of Honour. President Sylvanie Burton presented the accolade in acknowledgment of his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his commitment to fostering India-Dominica relations.

PM Modi’s address to the Guyanese Parliament underscores his ongoing commitment to deepening India’s global partnerships and enhancing India’s voice on the world stage.

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