VOInews, New Delhi: President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, embarked on a state visit to India on Thursday, 23 January 2025, to attend the Republic Day celebrations as the chief guest of honour. The President departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in Jakarta at approximately 5:25 PM local time, heading to New Delhi’s Air Force Station Palam. During this visit, he is scheduled to participate in several key bilateral engagements alongside the main celebratory events.
“India is a vital friend of Indonesia. They supported our struggle for independence by providing medical aid, financial assistance, and more during that critical period,” President Prabowo remarked prior to his departure. India has remained a significant partner since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
President Prabowo has been invited as the chief guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2025. This prestigious event holds historical significance, as Indonesia’s founding President, Soekarno, was the first-ever chief guest at the inaugural celebrations in 1950. In addition to attending the ceremony, an Indonesian military contingent comprising 352 personnel will take part in the parade, further symbolising the close ties between the two nations. “We’ve been accorded a place of honour, marching third in the parade,” the President noted.
Aside from participating in Republic Day events, President Prabowo is expected to attend a formal welcoming ceremony hosted by Indian President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. Discussions will focus on agreements and memoranda of understanding in areas such as healthcare, cultural exchange, maritime security, and technological advancement. “I will also meet with Indian business leaders who are keen to invest in Indonesia,” he added.
Following his visit to India, President Prabowo is scheduled to travel to Malaysia for a state visit. There, he will engage in discussions with Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The President underscored the importance of collaboration between ASEAN’s founding members in advancing regional and strategic initiatives. Accompanying the President on this significant diplomatic mission is Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, ensuring the smooth execution of the official agenda.
Source: presidenri.go.id