PM Modi becomes first Indian Prime Minister to address Indonesian Parliament, calls for deeper strategic partnership

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday became the first Indian Prime Minister to address the Parliament of Indonesia, calling for a new era in bilateral relations anchored in shared civilisational heritage, democratic values and a common vision for the future.

Addressing Indonesian lawmakers in Jakarta, PM Modi thanked Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for his presence and Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani for her invitation, while extending greetings on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India.

Describing India as the “Mother of Democracy,” the Prime Minister said New Delhi was committed to strengthening democratic linkages with Indonesia, adding that the two countries are natural and trusted partners bound by centuries of shared history, maritime connections and cultural exchanges.

Recalling over 2,000 years of civilisational engagement across the Indian Ocean, PM Modi said the exchange of ideas, trade, culture and faith had laid the foundation for the enduring relationship between the two nations. He also highlighted the common ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family) and Indonesia’s national motto, “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity), saying these values continue to guide the India-Indonesia partnership.

The Prime Minister noted that shared historical experiences, common developmental challenges and the aspirations of their people have brought India and Indonesia closer as strategic partners.

Highlighting India’s development journey and the synergies between the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Golden Indonesia 2045 (Indonesia Emas 2045), PM Modi called for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, connectivity, food and energy security, Digital Public Infrastructure and emerging technologies.

He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to working closely with Indonesia to strengthen the voice of the Global South and promote a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific.

Calling for a fresh roadmap for bilateral engagement, the Prime Minister proposed the “Ganga-Mahakam Vision” as the foundation for the next phase of India-Indonesia relations. Under this framework, he said the two countries should build upon their shared civilisational heritage, exchange development experiences, deepen strategic and security cooperation, enhance maritime prosperity and jointly amplify the voice of the Global South.

Following his address, PM Modi said in a post on X, “It was an honour to address the Indonesia Parliament. India and Indonesia are connected by centuries of shared history, culture and people-to-people ties. Together, we will continue to work towards a future defined by friendship, cooperation and shared prosperity.”

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the address as a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

In a post on X, Jaiswal said, “A historic address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Parliament of Indonesia, the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. Highlighting the enduring civilisational bonds and shared democratic values linking India and Indonesia, the Prime Minister called for a future-oriented partnership aligned with the aspirations of Viksit Bharat 2047 and Golden Indonesia 2045. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with Indonesia to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, strengthen the voice of the Global South and advance a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific. The Prime Minister called for a new beginning in India-Indonesia relations based on the Ganga-Mahakam Vision for bilateral engagement.”

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