President of Indonesia to Attend Republic Day Festivities as Chief Guest
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Synopsis
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto will visit India from January 25 to 26 as the chief guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations. This visit is significant as it marks his first trip to India since taking office and highlights the enduring ties between the two nations.
Key Takeaways
- President Prabowo Subianto's first visit to India as President.
- Strengthening ties between India and Indonesia.
- Opportunity for bilateral discussions on regional issues.
- Tradition of inviting world leaders to Republic Day.
- Reaffirmation of strategic partnership under Act East Policy.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia is scheduled to travel to India from January 25 to 26, where he will be the chief guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations upon the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday.
This visit marks President Prabowo's inaugural trip to India in his official capacity since taking office in October 2024, according to the MEA statement.
The statement emphasized the longstanding and amicable relationship between both nations, noting that India and Indonesia have enjoyed a partnership that has lasted for millennia. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, Indonesia stands as a crucial element in India's Act East Policy and vision for the Indo-Pacific.
The upcoming visit is anticipated to provide a platform for both nations' leaders to evaluate their bilateral relations in detail and to converse about regional and global concerns that are of shared interest, as outlined by the MEA.
Prabowo Subianto, who took the oath as Indonesia's eighth President in October 2024, is joined in leadership by Vice President Gibran Rakabuming, the son of former President Joko Widodo. He had previously visited New Delhi in 2020 while serving as Indonesia's Defence Minister. His presidency has faced criticism over past accusations of human rights violations, which he has consistently denied.
India has a tradition of inviting international leaders as chief guests for its Republic Day events. In 2024, French President Emmanuel Macron was the distinguished guest, while Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi participated in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic hindered such invitations during 2021 and 2022.
The invitation extended to President Subianto underscores India's ongoing dedication to enhancing its relationships with Southeast Asian countries through its Act East Policy.
It's noteworthy that in 2018, then-President Joko Widodo of Indonesia participated in the Republic Day parade alongside other ASEAN leaders. The presence of President Subianto is perceived as a testament to the strengthening strategic alliance between India and Indonesia.
