Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, visiting India as the chief guest for the Republic Day celebrations, is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (today) to bolster political, defense, and security cooperation between the two nations.
This marks President Subianto’s first state visit to India since taking office in October 2024. According to sources, the discussions will cover a wide range of bilateral issues, including trade, healthcare, digital technologies, energy, and tourism. A potential highlight of the visit could be an announcement on Indonesia’s procurement of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India.
Indonesia has been negotiating with BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, for both shore-based and warship-mounted versions of the mid-range missile. In December, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasized the significance of advanced technology collaborations like BrahMos during talks with Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
The visit is expected to yield several agreements and announcements, with the 3rd CEOs Forum taking place on the sidelines.
On Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm for the visit on X (formerly Twitter):
“Pleased to call on President Prabowo Subianto @prabowo of Indonesia at the start of his State Visit to India. Value his guidance and positive sentiments for the development of our multifaceted bilateral ties. President @prabowo’s participation as Chief Guest in India’s 76th Republic Day will be a fitting celebration of our cherished friendship.”
President Subianto will also meet with President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Singh Dhankhar during his visit.
Notably, Subianto is the fourth Indonesian leader to serve as the Republic Day chief guest, a tradition that began in 1950 when President Sukarno attended India’s first Republic Day celebrations. This year, a 352-member Indonesian marching and band contingent will participate in the Republic Day parade—the first time an Indonesian contingent has joined a national day parade abroad.
Highlighting the historical and strategic ties between the two countries, the Ministry of External Affairs described the relationship as “warm and friendly… spanning over millennia.” It also underscored Indonesia’s pivotal role as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner in India’s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific vision.
Prime Minister Modi and President Subianto previously met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 2024, marking their first interaction.