Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday told the Indonesian Parliament that India and Indonesia are linked by centuries of shared history, cultural heritage and democratic ideals, while urging closer cooperation between the two countries to help shape the future of the Indo-Pacific.
Emphasising the importance of the partnership, the Prime Minister said the two democracies could reinforce global confidence in democratic governance.
"When India and Indonesia stand together, they strengthen the world's faith that democracy creates opportunities and trust," Modi said during his address.
Recalling the long-standing civilisational ties between the two nations, he said, "We share a common history. Our relationship is rooted in the heritage of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata."
"Our bond goes back centuries to the knowledge of Nalanda. We are also connected through magnificent monuments such as Borobudur and Prambanan," he added.
PM Modi also spoke about the geographical proximity between the two countries, saying the sea has historically united them instead of acting as a barrier.
"Our capitals may be thousands of kilometres apart, but across the sea, we are separated by only about 150 kilometres.For many countries, the sea has been a source of boundaries and distance. But between India and Indonesia, the sea has never symbolised separation. It has been a bridge connecting us. It is the centre of our shared future. India, Indonesia, and the Indian Ocean, these names themselves bear witness to our deep historical connection. For thousands of years, our ports connected the world. Our ships carried trade and culture across distant lands," he said.
Reaffirming India's approach to international engagement, the Prime Minister said, "India is a nation that follows the path not of expansionism, but of development. That is why in India we say, 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', 'Together with all, Development for all.' It is with this very mantra and this spirit that I have come before all of you, the esteemed Members of the Indonesian Parliament."
He also said, "World will witness history in making when 140 crore people of India and Indonesia's 29 crore people march together."
Speaking about the welcome he received in Indonesia, PM Modi expressed gratitude to the country's people and referred to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's light-hearted remarks made earlier in the day.
"I am truly delighted to be here among you. It is a great privilege for me to be with you. As the representative of 140 crore Indians, and as a fortunate citizen of the Mother of Democracy, I extend my best wishes to you on behalf of all the people of India. The people of Indonesia, the wonderful children, the youth, and the women here, have made today one of the most memorable days of my life. The way the people of Indonesia showed me their affection this morning, and the warm welcome they gave me, is something I will never forget. This morning, President Prabowo spoke about copyright. I would like to tell him that no one holds the copyright to this love, this affection, this friendship, and this spirit of respect."
Earlier in the day, PM Modi was conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna. Reflecting on the recognition during his address, he said, "This morning, I also had the privilege of receiving Indonesia's highest honour. I accept with all humility, from the core of my heart, the affection of the people of Indonesia towards the crores of Indians. This honour belongs to the democratic values of both our countries, to our shared heritage, and to the strengthening relations between the two nations. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you colleagues, to the government of Indonesia, and to the people here."
In a post on X, the Prime Minister also wrote, "I accept the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia with great humility. This honour belongs to the people of India. It reflects the warmth and affection of the people of Indonesia. It is also a tribute to the historic and deeply-rooted ties between India and Indonesia. I sincerely thank President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia and the people of Indonesia for this special honour."
Following delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, India and Indonesia signed 20 agreements spanning defence, maritime security, critical minerals, agriculture, telecommunications, healthcare, space cooperation, disaster management, education and digital public infrastructure. The agreements include cooperation on the BrahMos missile system, air-to-air missile collaboration and the establishment of an Indian Institute of Management Bangalore branch campus at Singhasari SEZ.
Describing the outcomes of the visit in another post on X, PM Modi wrote, "The outcomes from this visit are comprehensive, substantive and futuristic. The India-Indonesia friendship will keep scaling new heights in the years to come."
