Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on receiving the Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia's highest civilian honour, conferred by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto during Modi's state visit to the archipelago nation. Fadnavis described the recognition as a 'global recognition of distinguished leadership' and noted it marks the 35th international state honour received by the Prime Minister.

Context

In his post on X, Fadnavis wrote: 'Heartiest congratulations to Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji on being conferred with Indonesia's highest civilian honour, the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, by H.E. President Prabowo Subianto.' He added that the honour recognises Modi's 'visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to strengthening the India–Indonesia partnership, which is founded on enduring friendship, shared values and mutual trust.'

The Bintang Adipurna — translating broadly as the 'Star of Excellent Service' — is reserved for foreign dignitaries who have made distinguished contributions to Indonesia's bilateral and international relations. Its conferment during a formal state visit carries significant diplomatic weight within ASEAN diplomatic protocols.

Policy Backdrop

The award comes against the backdrop of decades of deepening ties between the two largest democracies in their respective regions. In 2018, India and Indonesia elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Jakarta, covering defence, maritime security, trade, and cultural cooperation.

India's Act East Policy, launched in 2014, identified Indonesia as a priority partner for maritime connectivity and Indo-Pacific outreach. The two nations have also maintained a defence cooperation agreement, periodically renewed to include joint military exercises and training exchanges. Both countries coordinate on shared positions within the G20, ASEAN, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association on issues ranging from supply-chain resilience to maritime security.

Stakeholders and Impact

The conferment of the Bintang Adipurna is expected to reinforce momentum in the bilateral relationship at the diplomatic and trade levels, with officials from both sides engaged in implementing a 2024–2029 bilateral action plan covering connectivity projects and economic cooperation. For India's diplomatic corps, the honour adds to a pattern of international recognitions that have accompanied Modi's state visits across ASEAN, Gulf, and Quad partner nations.

Senior leaders across India's political establishment, including CM Fadnavis, have publicly welcomed the honour, reflecting a broad domestic consensus on the significance of India–Indonesia strategic ties within the wider Indo-Pacific architecture.

What's Next

Attention will now turn to the outcomes of the broader state visit, including any announcements on connectivity, defence, or trade under the bilateral action plan. The next ASEAN-India Summit is expected to provide a further platform for consolidating the partnership, with maritime security and supply-chain cooperation likely to feature prominently on the agenda.