Speaking from afar, PM Modi expressed his heartfelt connection to the occasion, despite the distance. He called the ceremony “historic” and praised the Jakarta Murugan Temple as a beacon of spirituality, culture, and unity. The presence of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the event made it even more special for the Indian Prime Minister, who highlighted the personal and deep bonds between the two leaders.

“My heart is as close to this moment as if I were present physically,” PM Modi remarked during his virtual address, emphasizing the warmth and connection shared between India and Indonesia. He also conveyed his warm wishes to the millions of devotees in both countries and around the world who were part of the sacred ceremony.

The Prime Minister underscored the historical and cultural links between the two nations, noting the deep-rooted connection spanning thousands of years. He pointed out that these ties go beyond geopolitics, grounded in shared faith, spirituality, and history, particularly through revered figures like Lord Murugan, Lord Sri Ram, and Lord Buddha. He also highlighted that for many Indians, a visit to Indonesia’s Prambanan Temple or reading works such as the Kakawin and Serat Ramayan fosters a spiritual bond similar to visiting sacred Indian sites like Kashi or Kedarnath.

Reflecting on the unity that exists between the two countries, PM Modi celebrated Indonesia’s cultural identity and philosophy of ‘Bhinneka Tunggal Ika,’ which means ‘Unity in Diversity.’ He expressed that this shared ethos of diversity and harmony is what allows people from different communities to live peacefully in both nations. He also emphasized that this sacred day reinforced the message of unity in diversity.

The Jakarta Murugan Temple, inaugurated with the laying of its foundation stone in February 2020, serves as more than just a place of worship. The temple represents a confluence of Indian, Javanese, and Balinese traditions, while also embracing the values of Pancasila, Indonesia’s state ideology. PM Modi praised the temple as a monumental milestone, adding that it’s a testament to the shared cultural values of India and Indonesia.

“Today, a new golden chapter is being added to our centuries-old heritage,” he said, recognizing the importance of the temple as not only a spiritual center but also a hub for cultural exchange and tourism. With idols of various deities installed within the temple, it showcases the diversity and richness of both countries’ traditions.

PM Modi further celebrated the growing people-to-people ties between the two nations, noting the collaborative efforts in preserving iconic cultural sites like the Prambanan and Borobudur Buddhist Temples. He expressed confidence that these shared cultural initiatives would continue to strengthen the bilateral relationship in the years to come.

The Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremony itself is being conducted with the help of 72 Gurukals (priests) from India, ensuring the authenticity of the rituals. The temple’s establishment symbolizes the unity of Indonesia’s diverse communities and serves as a reminder of the enduring cultural and spiritual connections that link India and Indonesia.

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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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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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