Indonesia’s Prominent Role in India’s Republic Day Parade
Well, it seems like Indonesia is set to become the VIP of India’s Republic Day parade again! That’s right; in January 2025, it looks like President Prabowo Subianto will be gracing the occasion as the chief guest. What a way to keep a friendship alive! This would mark the fourth time an Indonesian leader has made their way up the red carpet for India’s big day.
Let’s rewind, shall we? The first Republic Day in 1950 was a note-worthy beginning, with none other than Indonesian President Sukarno stealing the spotlight. Imagine being the first chief guest — that’s like being the first person to take a selfie with the Mona Lisa. You know, it’s a big deal. Fast forward to 2011, when Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made his appearance, followed by Joko Widodo in 2018, who brought along a whole party of ASEAN leaders! Talk about a diplomatic jam session!
Decade of ‘Act East’ Policy
Now, this whole initiative comes right on the heels of India celebrating a decade of its ‘Act East Policy.’ No, it’s not some new dance move, although wouldn’t that be something? The government is marking some important anniversaries too, including 75 years of diplomatic relations with Indonesia and the Philippines, and 60 years with Singapore. Perhaps they should send them all a lovely card with confetti and a “congrats on your diplomatic maturity!” message.
Interestingly, while we’re all busy putting the finishing touches on our New Year’s resolutions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been on quite an international tour. In just 100 days of his third term, he’s already had a delightful meet-up with the prime ministers of Vietnam and Malaysia. It’s almost like he’s trying to collect diplomatic autographs before the next world tour! And let’s not forget President Droupadi Murmu’s historic visit to Timor-Leste, making her the first Indian head of state to do so. Can we say “breaking barriers”? Absolutely!
Stronger Together
Now, let’s dive into the meat of the matter — the connections between these two countries. India and Indonesia are not just maritime neighbours; their ties run deep through economic, defence, and cultural lanes. There are talks about enhancing connectivity between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Aceh, which sounds like a promising collaboration. Imagine a ferry ride across the shimmering seas, with a nice cup of kopi (that’s coffee for non-Indonesians) in hand. Bliss!
To wrap it all up, if President Prabowo makes it as the chief guest, it’ll not just be a symbolic gesture but a testament to a flourishing relationship between India and Indonesia. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to be part of a celebration that screams friendship and partnership? Though the Republic Day parade is in the distance, already it’s feeling like the countdown to a diplomatic blockbuster!
India is set to extend a prestigious invitation to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, proposing he become the chief guest for the upcoming Republic Day parade scheduled for January 2025. If this invitation is confirmed, it will mark the fourth occasion that an Indonesian leader has held this esteemed position during India’s national celebration.
The historical significance of this relationship is noteworthy, as the inaugural Republic Day celebration in 1950 was honored by the presence of Sukarno, the first President of Indonesia, who served as the distinguished chief guest.
Following Sukarno, the later Indonesian Presidents also received this honor—specifically, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2011, and Joko Widodo in 2018, who participated alongside fellow ASEAN leaders in what was a remarkable display of regional unity.
This potential visit comes at a significant juncture, as India commemorates an entire decade of its Act East Policy, aimed at bolstering diplomatic ties with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, this year serves as a milestone as India celebrates key anniversaries regarding the inception of diplomatic relations with several nations, including 75 years with Indonesia and the Philippines, 60 years with Singapore, and 40 years with Brunei.
During the initial 100 days of his third term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has welcomed the prime ministers of both Vietnam and Malaysia, whilst also embarking on visits to Laos, Brunei, and Singapore earlier this year. In a historic move, India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, made her first-ever official visit to Timor-Leste, representing an important step in strengthening bilateral relations.
India and Indonesia enjoy robust economic, defense, and cultural ties that are further enhanced by their geographical proximity as maritime neighbors. Discussions are currently underway between the two nations regarding the enhancement of connectivity between India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Indonesia’s Aceh, with a particular emphasis on developing maritime routes that would facilitate trade and movement.