Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a grand welcome in Indonesia on Monday as he arrived in Jakarta for a three-day State Visit, marking the first leg of his three-nation tour. In a special gesture, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto personally received the Prime Minister at the airport, underscoring the strength of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Adding to the ceremonial welcome, fighter jets of the Indonesian Air Force escorted the Prime Minister’s aircraft after it entered Indonesian airspace. Four Indonesian ministers were also present at the airport to receive the visiting leader.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi witnessed a cultural performance and later received a rousing welcome from members of the Indian diaspora at his hotel in Jakarta. Members of the Indian community greeted him with chants of “Modi, Modi” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as he interacted with them. The Prime Minister applauded cultural performances presented in his honour, including a traditional shadow puppetry performance depicting the timeless grandeur of the Ramayana.
Ahead of his arrival, members of the Indian diaspora expressed excitement over the visit. One community member said it would be the first opportunity to see the Prime Minister in person, while another welcomed him with “affection and love.”
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, PM Modi said in a post on X, “Landed in Jakarta. I’m touched by President Prabowo Subianto’s gesture of welcoming me at the airport. In 2018 we elevated our relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which has benefitted our people. During this visit, President Prabowo Subianto and I will hold discussions aimed at adding even more momentum to this partnership across diverse sectors.”
“President Prabowo and I will visit the Prambanan Temple complex at Yogyakarta. This will ensure closer cultural linkages between our nations. While in Indonesia, I also look forward to interacting with the Indian community,” he added.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the significance of the reception to Indian PM at the Jakarta airport.
In a post on X, Jaiswal said, “Selamat Malam, Indonesia! Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jakarta on a State Visit. In a special gesture, he was warmly received by President Prabowo Subianto at the airport upon arrival. In addition, four ministers were also present to receive Prime Minister. This is PM’s first bilateral visit to Indonesia since the elevation of ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2018.”
Ahead of his departure, PM Modi said the visit would provide an opportunity to further deepen the multifaceted partnership between the two countries, which is anchored in strong civilisational and people-to-people ties.
“At the invitation of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, I will be visiting Indonesia from July 6-8. India and Indonesia elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during my first visit to Indonesia in 2018. This will be my first bilateral visit after the elevation of our bilateral ties and follows the State Visit of President Prabowo, who was the Chief Guest at our Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025,” the Prime Minister said in his departure statement.
He said the visit would focus on strengthening cooperation across a wide range of sectors while reaffirming the historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President Prabowo Subianto, interact with the Indian diaspora in Indonesia, and jointly visit the UNESCO-listed Prambanan Temple complex in Yogyakarta, a symbol of the centuries-old civilisational links between India and Indonesia.
Following the Indonesia visit, PM Modi will travel to Australia and New Zealand as part of his three-nation tour.
(With agency inputs)
