Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday declared that India and Indonesia have entered a new golden chapter in their bilateral relationship, saying the deepening partnership between the two nations will have a positive impact on the 21st century and on humanity as a whole. He said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018 has gained fresh momentum, with both countries making significant progress across sectors including development, security, technology, culture and education.
Addressing a joint press conference after bilateral talks with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Prime Minister Modi said the growing trust between the two nations has strengthened cooperation in defence, security and maritime affairs.
He announced that India and Indonesia have agreed to expand defence exchanges, disaster management cooperation and industrial collaboration. The two countries' coast guards will also work together to enhance maritime safety and security in the Indian Ocean.
The Prime Minister said both countries have decided to deepen cooperation in the blue economy, port development and maritime trade. He added that the expanding strategic partnership between India and Indonesia will further contribute to stability, peace and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific region.
Modi said eliminating poverty and ensuring the effective delivery of welfare schemes to citizens remain top priorities for both governments. He noted that India has shared its experience with Indonesia in implementing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and the Public Distribution System, and that this cooperation will now be taken to the next level.
He also said that the agreement signed in the healthcare sector will make India's high-quality and affordable medicines more accessible to the people of Indonesia. India will also assist in strengthening the capacity of Indonesian doctors and healthcare professionals through training and skill development initiatives.
The Prime Minister said the supply of high-yield wheat seeds developed in India will help strengthen Indonesia's food security. Both countries will also exchange best practices in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology.
Highlighting the importance of technological cooperation, Modi said the 21st century is driven by technology and that both India and Indonesia are young nations with immense demographic strength. He said significant agreements have been concluded to enhance collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), telecommunications, digital public infrastructure and the startup ecosystem.
He further announced that the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bengaluru will establish a campus in Indonesia, a move expected to benefit students and young professionals across the ASEAN region.
Referring to space cooperation, the Prime Minister said India and Indonesia have enjoyed a long-standing and trusted partnership in the sector. Both countries have now taken important decisions to expand cooperation in joint research, technology transfer and capacity building.
Modi also announced agreements aimed at strengthening supply chains for critical minerals and the steel sector. Companies from both countries will launch new partnerships in the fields of stainless steel production and rare earth magnets.
Emphasising the importance of people-to-people ties, the Prime Minister said these remain the strongest pillar of the India-Indonesia relationship. He announced that India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be linked with Indonesia's payment system, making trade, tourism and financial transactions more convenient for citizens of both countries.
The Prime Minister also announced that he and President Prabowo will jointly inaugurate the conservation project of the more than 1,000-year-old Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta, describing it as a symbol of the shared civilisational heritage of India and Indonesia.
He further said that both countries will commemorate the centenary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore's historic visit to Indonesia by observing the "Tagore–Dewantara Year of Cultural and Educational Diplomacy."
Modi said democratic values and unity in diversity constitute the shared strengths of both nations. He noted that the agreement signed between the Election Commissions of India and Indonesia will further deepen democratic cooperation.
Touching upon regional and global issues, the Prime Minister said India and Indonesia share a common vision for the Indo-Pacific and reiterated that India has consistently supported ASEAN's central role in maintaining regional peace and stability.
He observed that at a time of global uncertainty, dialogue and diplomacy have become more important than ever. On the issue of Palestine, Modi reaffirmed India's support for a two-state solution and lasting peace in the region.
Expressing confidence in the future of bilateral ties, the Prime Minister said that, drawing upon their shared history, mutual trust and common aspirations for prosperity, India and Indonesia will work together to realise the visions of "Indonesia Emas" and "Viksit Bharat."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Conferred Indonesia's Highest Civilian Honour
New Delhi/Jakarta, 07 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Tuesday conferred Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the "Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia," by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in recognition of his contribution to strengthening the enduring ties between the two countries.
President Prabowo presented the prestigious decoration to Prime Minister Modi during a special ceremony held in Jakarta. The Bintang Adipurna is Indonesia's highest civilian honour and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the integrity, sovereignty and prestige of the Republic of Indonesia.
Accepting the honour, Prime Minister Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Government and the people of Indonesia.
"This morning, I was deeply honoured to receive Indonesia's highest civilian award with immense warmth and respect. This honour belongs to the millions of people of India. It reflects the affection of the people of Indonesia and pays tribute to the historic and deeply rooted relationship between India and Indonesia," the Prime Minister said.
Modi also thanked President Prabowo, the Government of Indonesia and its people for the recognition, describing the award as a symbol of the deep mutual trust, enduring friendship and centuries-old cultural and civilisational ties shared by the two nations.
