VOINews, India: Indian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sandeep Chakravorty, expressed his hopes for the continued strengthening of the 75-year-old friendship between India and Indonesia through various means, including sports like golf. To mark this significant milestone in bilateral relations, the Indian Embassy in Jakarta organized the 2nd India-Indonesia Golf Cup at Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, on Saturday.
"Golf is a popular sport in Indonesia and serves as a bridge between us. It unites people from all walks of life," Chakravorty said during the opening of the 2nd India-Indonesia Golf Cup. His remarks highlighted the unifying power of sports in fostering closer ties between nations.
Chakravorty noted that while diplomatic relations between India and Indonesia have officially existed for 75 years, the cultural, civilizational, and interpersonal interactions between the two nations have been ongoing for centuries. The long-standing relationship between India and Indonesia is deeply rooted in shared history and mutual respect.
The ambassador emphasized that the current relationship between the two countries is thriving, driven by shared interests and perspectives on the international stage as well as national development goals. "Our countries have enjoyed a strong relationship for many years. There are no disputes or conflicts between us," Chakravorty stated, underscoring the harmonious ties between India and Indonesia.
"We view the world in almost the same way; we also believe that our nations should be independent powers in the world," added Chakravorty. His comments reflect the alignment in vision and strategic goals between the two countries.
India's interest in strengthening relations and cooperation with Indonesia spans various sectors. The shared visions of "Indonesia Emas 2045" and "India 2047" illustrate the common goals of both nations to achieve developed country status by their centennial independence anniversaries. This alignment further solidifies the importance of robust bilateral relations.
The golf tournament serves as an ideal platform for strengthening people-to-people connections between India and Indonesia. Chakravorty highlighted Jakarta as the perfect location for such an event, describing the city as the "Golf Capital" of the world. The tournament's choice of venue underscores Jakarta's significance in the global golfing community.
The event attracted 144 participants, including members of the diplomatic community, government officials, business leaders from various sectors, and national figures from both India and Indonesia. The wide range of participants reflects the inclusive and multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two nations.
In addition to enhancing the friendship between India and Indonesia, the tournament also served as a fundraiser for the environmental NGO Sungai Watch, which is dedicated to river conservation efforts. The charitable aspect of the event further demonstrates the shared commitment of India and Indonesia to environmental sustainability and social responsibility./ANTARA/VOI
